Here are 20 famous actors from France died at 75:
Jacques Tati (October 9, 1907 Le Pecq-November 4, 1982 Paris) also known as Zak Tati, Jacques Tatischeff, Mr. Hulot or Jacques Tatishchev was a French film director, screenwriter, film producer, actor and comedian. He had three children, Pierre Tati, Sophie Tatischeff and Helga Marie-Jeanne Schiel.
Tati was known for his slapstick comedy and his use of physical humor in his films, which often featured his iconic character, Monsieur Hulot. Some of his most famous films include "Jour de Fête" (1949), "Mon Oncle" (1958), and "Playtime" (1967), which took over three years to shoot and almost bankrupted Tati.
Despite his success, Tati struggled with financing for his later films and eventually declared bankruptcy in 1971. He continued to work until his death in 1982, however, and was posthumously honored with numerous awards for his contributions to French cinema. Today, Tati is recognized as one of the most important and innovative filmmakers of the 20th century.
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Daniel Ceccaldi (July 25, 1927 Meaux-March 27, 2003 Paris) also known as Daniel Jacques Ceccaldi was a French actor, screenwriter, theatre director, television director, film director and presenter.
He died as a result of natural causes.
Ceccaldi started his acting career in the late 1940s and appeared in over 100 films during his lifetime. Some of his notable film credits include "The Troops of St. Tropez" (1964), "The Brain" (1969), and "Love on the Run" (1979). He also worked frequently in television, both in front of and behind the camera, and directed several episodes of popular French TV series. In addition to his work in film and television, Ceccaldi also had a successful career in theatre, directing productions of French classics such as Molière's "The Miser" and Racine's "Phèdre". He was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1990 for his contributions to French culture.
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Eddie Constantine (October 29, 1917 Los Angeles-February 25, 1993 Wiesbaden) also known as Eddy Constantine, Constantine, Eddie, Edward Constantinowsky, Israel Constantine or Eddi Constantine was a French singer and actor. His children are Lemmy Constantine, Barbara Constantine, Tania Constantine and Mia Bella Marie Constanine.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Eddie Constantine gained immense popularity for his role as detective Lemmy Caution in a series of films in the late 1950s and 1960s. He began his career as a singer in the 1940s and transitioned to acting in the 1950s, where he carved out a niche for himself as an action hero. He appeared in over 100 films, including "Alphaville" directed by Jean-Luc Godard.
Constantine's family fled Russia during the 1917 Revolution and settled in the United States. He later moved to Europe where he became an iconic figure in French cinema. Despite working predominantly in France, Constantine spoke fluent English and appeared in American and British productions as well.
In addition to his work in cinema, Constantine was also a talented singer and worked as a recording artist for several years. His gravelly baritone voice was well-suited to the songs of the day, and he enjoyed a devoted following in France and beyond.
Despite his success, Eddie Constantine remained modest and unassuming throughout his life. He was known for his quiet dedication to his craft and his unwavering professionalism on set.
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Laurent Terzieff (June 27, 1935 Toulouse-July 2, 2010 Paris) otherwise known as Loran Terzijev, Laurent Tchemerzine or Laurent Didier Alex Terzieff was a French actor.
Terzieff was born in Toulouse, France, in 1935. He began his acting career in the mid-1950s and quickly became known for his powerful performances on stage and screen. He gained a reputation for his intense portrayals of complex, troubled characters.
In addition to his work as an actor, Terzieff was also a director, writer, and producer. He was a frequent collaborator with several of the most important figures in European theater and cinema, including Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, and Marguerite Duras.
Throughout his career, Terzieff won numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1963 for his performance in "Muriel" and the Prix Goncourt for his novel "Jours de Combat" in 1978.
Terzieff continued to work in film, theater, and television until his death in 2010 at the age of 75. His contributions to French and European culture have had a lasting impact on the world of acting and the arts.
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Frédérick Lemaître (July 28, 1800 Le Havre-January 26, 1876 Paris) also known as Frederick Lemaitre was a French actor and playwright.
He is considered to be one of the most important figures in French theatre during the 19th century. Lemaître was known for his charismatic stage presence and his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from romantic heroes to comedic clowns. He began his career in the provinces before making his debut in Paris in 1825 at the Théâtre de l'Odéon. Lemaître went on to become a leading actor at the Comédie-Française and the Théâtre du Gymnase, where he performed in plays such as "The Barber of Seville" and "The Marriage of Figaro". In addition to his acting career, Lemaître was also a successful playwright, writing several plays that were performed in Paris and throughout France. He retired from the stage in 1855 and went on to teach acting at the Conservatoire de Paris. Lemaître's legacy lives on in the French theatre tradition, with his influence still felt today.
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Marcel Achard (July 5, 1899 Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon-September 4, 1974 Paris) also known as Marcel-Auguste Ferréol, Marcel Auguste Ferreol, Marcel Augustin Ferréol, Marcel Archard or Marcel Achard de l'Académie Française was a French screenwriter, playwright, actor and film director.
Achard began his career as a journalist before turning to writing plays in the 1920s. He became known for his witty, romantic comedies and went on to write over 70 plays, including "Jean de la Lune" and "Patate". In addition to his theatrical work, Achard also wrote screenplays for films, including "Mayerling" (1936) and "The Wonderful Day" (1949).
As an actor, Achard appeared in several films, including "The Rules of the Game" (1939) and "Le Corbeau" (1943). He also directed a few films, such as "La Danseuse de Marrakech" (1949) and "Deburau" (1951).
Achard was elected to the Académie française, the prestigious French literary institution, in 1959. He died in Paris in 1974 at the age of 75.
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Edmond Van Daële (August 11, 1884 Paris-March 11, 1960 Grez-Neuville) also known as Edmond Van Daele, Edmond Jean Adolphe Minckwitz or Van Daële was a French actor.
He appeared in over 70 films throughout his career, starting in the silent film era with "The Mystery of the Rocks of Kador" in 1912. Van Daële was known for tackling challenging roles, particularly those that required intense emotional depth. He worked with some of the most prominent film directors of his time, including Jean Renoir, Marcel L'Herbier, and Julien Duvivier. In addition to his work in cinema, Van Daële was also a celebrated stage actor, performing in both classical and modern theater productions. He received several accolades for his contributions to the arts, including the Legion of Honor. Van Daële passed away in 1960 at the age of 76.
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Cabu (January 13, 1939 Châlons-en-Champagne-January 7, 2015 Paris) also known as Jean Cabut or Jean Cabu was a French actor, comics artist and caricaturist. He had one child, Mano Solo.
He died in gunshot.
Cabu was a prominent figure in French media and known for his left-wing political views. He began his career in 1960 as a cartoonist for the satirical magazine, Hara-Kiri, which was later banned for its controversial content. He then went on to publish his work in other French publications such as Charlie Hebdo, Le Figaro, and L'Humanité.
In addition to his work as a cartoonist and caricaturist, Cabu also dabbled in acting and made a few appearances in French films, including The War is Over and Everything Must Go.
Cabu tragically passed away in 2015 during the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris, which was a targeted terrorist attack against the magazine due to its publication of controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad. His death was mourned by many in France and around the world, with some even creating murals and tributes in honor of his memory.
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Jean Toulout (September 28, 1887 Paris-October 23, 1962 Paris) also known as Jean Joseph Charles Toulout was a French actor, screenwriter and film director.
He began his career on stage, but eventually moved to film, becoming a prolific screenwriter and director. Toulout worked on over 100 films, both silent and sound, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in French cinema, including Jean Renoir, Marcel Carné, and Jacques Feyder. His directing credits include "La Maison du mystère" (1923), "Le Comte de Monte-Cristo" (1929), and "L'Occident" (1930). Despite his success in the film industry, Toulout continued to act in both film and theater throughout his career. He was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1950 for his contributions to French cinema.
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Léon Larive (June 28, 1886 Paris-July 20, 1961 Paris) also known as Leon Larive, Léon Larrive, Larive, Larrive or Léon François Larive was a French actor.
He started his acting career in theatre in the early 1900s and made his film debut in 1910. Larive appeared in over 70 films in a career that spanned 50 years. He is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Benoit in the 1943 film "Le Corbeau" directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot.
Larive was a prolific character actor who often played supporting roles in films. He worked with some of the most renowned French directors of his time, including Julien Duvivier, Marcel Carné, and René Clair.
Larive was also a well-respected voice actor and dubbed the voices of several Hollywood actors for their French releases. He was awarded the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors, for his contributions to French cinema in 1951.
Outside of his acting career, Larive was a member of the French resistance during World War II, serving as a liaison between different resistance groups. He passed away in Paris in 1961 at the age of 75.
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Jacques Castelot (July 11, 1914 Antwerp-August 25, 1989 Paris) also known as Jacques Storms, Jacques Castellot or Jacques Marie Paul Éloi Storms was a French actor.
Born in Belgium, Castelot was raised and educated in Paris. He began his acting career in the 1930s, performing in theater productions and radio broadcasts. In the 1940s, he transitioned to film and television, earning critical acclaim for his roles in French cinema.
Castelot also had a notable career as a stage director, working with prominent theaters throughout France. He was admired in the theater world for his keen eye for detail and his ability to bring out the best in his actors.
Despite his success, Castelot led a relatively private life, rarely granting interviews or discussing his personal affairs. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy as one of France's most talented and respected actors.
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Claude Dauphin (August 19, 1903 Corbeil-Essonnes-November 16, 1978 Paris) also known as Claude Marie Eugene Dauphin or Claude Marie Eugène Legrand was a French actor, soldier and businessperson. He had two children, Antonia Dauphin and Jean-Claude Dauphin.
He died in bowel obstruction.
Dauphin began his acting career in the 1930s but it wasn't until the 1950s that he became a well-known international film star. He appeared in over 100 films, including "Gigi", "The Longest Day", and "Is Paris Burning?". He also appeared in several American television series, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Mission: Impossible". During World War II, Dauphin served in the French army and was captured by the Germans in 1940. He escaped from a prisoner of war camp in 1942 and joined the French Resistance. After the war, he went into business, starting his own film distribution company, and served as president of the Cannes Film Festival in 1962. Dauphin was awarded the Legion of Honor in recognition of his contributions to French cinema.
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Jean Daurand (June 21, 1913 Paris-March 11, 1989 Argenteuil) also known as Jean Charles Barniaud, J. Daurand or Daurand was a French actor.
He appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, starting with silent films in the 1920s and continuing through to the 1980s. Daurand was known for his roles in action and adventure films, often portraying tough and authoritative characters. One of his most famous roles was in the film "The Battle of the Rails" (1946), which portrayed the French Resistance during World War II. In addition to acting, Daurand was also a screenwriter and director. He wrote scripts for several films, including "The Murderer Lives at Number 21" (1942). Daurand's career spanned several decades and he was widely respected in the French film industry for his contributions to cinema. He died in 1989 at the age of 75.
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Gérard Sety (December 13, 1922 Paris-February 1, 1998 Maisons-Laffitte) a.k.a. Gérard Séty was a French actor.
He began his professional acting career at the age of 21, appearing in French films and stage productions. In the 1950s, he gained international recognition with his role in the film "Forbidden Games" directed by René Clément. Sety continued to act in French and European films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, often portraying elegant and sophisticated characters. Apart from acting, he was also an accomplished poet, and published several collections of his own writings. In his later years, he focused on his writing and published numerous articles on French literature and poetry. Sety passed away in 1998 at the age of 75.
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Armand Bernard (March 21, 1893 Bois-Colombes-June 13, 1968 Paris) otherwise known as Armand-Bernard or Armand Joseph Bernard was a French actor and film score composer.
He began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film. He appeared in over 100 films over the course of his career, often playing supporting roles. In addition to acting, Bernard was also a talented composer and wrote music for a number of films. He worked with some of the most famous directors and actors of his time, including Jean Renoir, Marcel Carné, Louis Malle, and Jean Gabin. During World War II, Bernard was also an active member of the French Resistance. After the war, he continued to work in film and also appeared in several stage productions in Paris. He passed away in 1968 at the age of 75.
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Robert Lachenay (May 27, 1930-November 11, 2005 Andeville) was a French actor, film critic, film director and film producer.
He began his career in the 1950s as a film critic, writing for prominent French publications such as Cahiers du Cinema and Positif. In the 1960s, he transitioned to acting and appeared in numerous French films, working with directors such as François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard.
In addition to his acting career, Lachenay also directed and produced several films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He is perhaps best known for his work as a producer on the films "Le Petit Prince a dit" and "La Petite Voleuse."
Throughout his career, Lachenay remained a prominent figure in the French film industry and was widely respected for his contributions as an actor, critic, director, and producer. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 75.
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Hubert Deschamps (September 13, 1923 Paris-December 29, 1998 Paris) a.k.a. Hubert Deschamp or Deschamps was a French actor.
He began his career on stage in the early 1950s and appeared in numerous theater productions throughout his career. Deschamps was also known for his work in French cinema, appearing in over 50 films. Some of his notable film roles include "Fanny" (1961), "The Soft Skin" (1964), and "May Fools" (1990). In addition to his work in theater and film, Deschamps also acted in television series and films such as the popular French comedy "Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez" (1964). Deschamps was widely regarded for his talent and versatility as an actor and was a recipient of the Molière Award, one of the most prestigious honors in French theater.
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Marcel Vibert (November 2, 1883 Paris-June 11, 1959 Paris) also known as Marcel Étienne Vibert was a French actor.
Vibert started his acting career in 1908 and went on to appear in more than 150 films, both silent and sound. He was best known for his roles in romantic dramas and comedies. Vibert's notable films include "The Passion of Joan of Arc" (1928), "Napoleon" (1927), "La chienne" (1931) and "La Bête Humaine" (1938). He also starred in several plays and was a member of the prestigious Comédie-Française theater company from 1924 to 1934. Vibert was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1949 for his contribution to French cinema.
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François Guérin (December 12, 1927 Paris-October 26, 2003 Paris) a.k.a. Francois Guerin was a French actor.
He began his career in the 1950s and appeared in over 70 films throughout his career. Some of his notable film credits include "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950), "Jules et Jim" (1962), and "La Grande Bouffe" (1973). Guérin was known for his striking appearance and often played mysterious or enigmatic characters on screen. In addition to film, he also worked extensively in theater and television. Guérin was a recipient of the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his contributions to the performing arts.
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Jean-Paul Le Chanois (October 25, 1909 Paris-July 8, 1985 Paris) a.k.a. Jean-Paul Dreyfus, J.P. Dreyfus, J.P. Le Chanois, J.P. Lechannois or Jean-Paul Étienne Dreyfus was a French screenwriter, film director and actor.
Le Chanois started his career as a journalist before becoming a prolific screenwriter in the 1930s. He turned to directing in the 1940s and went on to make over 40 films, many of which addressed social and political issues. His films "La Bataille du rail" and "Les Misérables" are considered classics of French cinema. He also acted in a few films, including Jean Renoir's "Boudu Saved from Drowning". Outside of his film work, Le Chanois was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and received the Croix de Guerre for his efforts. He was also a passionate advocate for the environment and wrote several books on the subject.
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