French actors who died before turning 40
Here are 20 famous actors from France died before 40:
Gérard Philipe
Gérard Philipe (December 4, 1922 Cannes-November 25, 1959 Paris) a.k.a. Gerard Philipe, Gérard Philippe, Gerard Philippe, Gérard Philip or Gérard Philipe du Théatre National Populaire was a French actor. His children are Anne-Marie Philipe and Olivier Philipe.
He died as a result of liver tumour.
Gérard Philipe was widely regarded as one of the most iconic French actors of the 20th century. He was renowned for his charm, captivating presence, and outstanding performances on stage, in films, and on television.
Philipe started his acting career on stage and rose to fame for his performances in classical plays, including works by Molière, Racine, and Shakespeare. He was notably associated with the Theatre National Populaire (TNP), one of France's most prestigious theatre companies, and was later appointed its director.
His film career began in the early 1950s and he quickly gained international fame for his roles in movies such as "Fanfan la Tulipe", "Le Rouge et le Noir", and "Les Grandes Manœuvres". He was also widely admired for his performances in dramatic films, such as "La Beauté du Diable" and "Le Diable au Corps".
Tragically, Gerard Philipe was diagnosed with liver cancer in 1958, which rapidly deteriorated his health. He fought the disease with determination until his untimely death in 1959 at the age of 36. He remains a celebrated figure in French cinema and theatre and his legacy endures to this day.
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Guillaume Depardieu
Guillaume Depardieu (April 7, 1971 14th arrondissement of Paris-October 13, 2008 Garches) also known as Guillaume Jean Maxime Antoine Depardieu or Guillaume was a French actor. He had one child, Louise Depardieu.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Guillaume Depardieu came from a family of famous French actors. His father, Gérard Depardieu, is a well-known actor, as well as his mother, Élisabeth Guignot. Guillaume began his acting career in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He was known for his intense performances and his willingness to take on challenging roles.
Aside from his acting career, Guillaume had a difficult personal life. He struggled with drug addiction and had several run-ins with the law. In 2003, he crashed his motorcycle and had to have his leg amputated as a result of complications. Despite this setback, he continued to act and even used his amputated leg as a source of inspiration for some of his performances.
Guillaume Depardieu was widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation. He appeared in dozens of films throughout his career, including "Les Apprentis," "Les Morsures de l'aube," and "Pola X." His performances were praised by critics and he won several awards for his work.
Unfortunately, Guillaume's life was cut short when he passed away from pneumonia in October 2008 at the age of 37. He is remembered as a brilliant actor whose talent will never be forgotten.
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Cyril Collard
Cyril Collard (December 19, 1957 Paris-March 5, 1993 Paris) also known as Collard, Cyril was a French writer, novelist and actor.
He died caused by hiv/aids.
Collard began his career in the 1980s as a writer and filmmaker, and is best known for his semi-autobiographical novel "Savage Nights" (Les Nuits Fauves) about his experiences as a bisexual man living with HIV/AIDS.
In 1992, Collard directed and starred in the film adaptation of the novel, which won four César Awards and was selected as the French entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 65th Academy Awards.
Aside from his work in writing and film, Collard was also known for his activism around HIV/AIDS awareness and research. He spoke publicly about his own experience with the disease in order to combat the stigma surrounding it and raise awareness about prevention.
Collard's work and legacy continue to influence French culture, with Savage Nights remaining a significant piece of queer literature and his advocacy work continuing to inspire HIV/AIDS activism.
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Jocelyn Quivrin
Jocelyn Quivrin (February 14, 1979 Dijon-November 15, 2009 Saint-Cloud) a.k.a. Jocelyn Beaufils-Guivrin, Jocelyn or Jozz was a French actor. He had one child, Charlie Quivrin.
He died caused by traffic collision.
Jocelyn Quivrin began his acting career in 1995, appearing in the TV movie "Ni vue ni connue". He went on to star in numerous films, including "99 francs", "Syriana", and "Largo Winch". In 2009, he was filming the movie "Le Grand Meaulnes" when he was involved in the car crash that ultimately resulted in his death. Quivrin's sudden passing was a shock to the French film industry and he is remembered as a talented actor with a promising career ahead of him.
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Fernand Herrmann
Fernand Herrmann (February 21, 1886 Paris-April 1, 1925) was a French actor.
He began his acting career on stage with the Comédie-Française and later moved on to film. Herrmann appeared in over 100 films throughout his career and became a popular leading man in French cinema during the 1920s. He worked with renowned filmmakers such as Marcel L'Herbier and Abel Gance, and was known for his versatility in playing both dramatic and comedic roles. Herrmann's life was tragically cut short when he died at the age of 39 from an illness. He left behind a lasting legacy in French cinema, with his performances still being celebrated and studied by film scholars today.
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Rémi Laurent
Rémi Laurent (October 12, 1957 Suresnes-November 14, 1989 Paris) a.k.a. Remi Laurent, Remy Laurent or Rémi François Simon Laurent was a French actor.
He died in hiv/aids.
Rémi Laurent was born on October 12, 1957 in Suresnes, France. He was a talented actor who appeared in numerous films and TV shows. He gained recognition for his role in the movie "La Balance" which was released in 1982. Laurent was also known for his performance in the TV series "Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret". Throughout his career, he collaborated with renowned directors such as Pierre Granier-Deferre and Bertrand Tavernier. Unfortunately, he passed away on November 14, 1989 in Paris due to complications related to HIV/AIDS. His death was mourned by many in the French film industry and beyond. Despite his brief career, Laurent's talent and contributions to French cinema have not been forgotten.
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Boris Vian
Boris Vian (March 10, 1920 Ville-d'Avray-June 23, 1959 Paris) a.k.a. Vernon Sullivan, Vian, Boris, Dr. Boris Vian, Bison Ravi, Baron Visi or Brisavion was a French singer, journalist, playwright, writer, engineer and actor. He had one child, Patrick Vian.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Boris Vian was a multi-talented individual who excelled in various fields. He was an avant-garde writer who contributed significantly to the French literary scene with his experimental works that blended humor, fantasy, and satire. His most famous work is "Foam of the Daze," a surrealist novel that has gained a cult following over the years.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Vian was also a talented jazz musician who played the trumpet and sang in various bands. He was a regular at the prestigious Saint-Germain-des-Pres jazz club in Paris, where he rubbed shoulders with other famous jazz musicians of the time.
Vian was also an accomplished engineer and inventor, having patented several inventions in France. He was particularly interested in mechanical devices and had a special love for cars. In fact, he died at the age of 39 while attending a screening of the film adaptation of his novel "Foam of the Daze" after suffering a heart attack while in his car.
Despite his short life, Boris Vian remains an important figure in French literature and culture, remembered for his creativity, wit, and talent.
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Xavier Saint-Macary
Xavier Saint-Macary (June 7, 1948 Orléans-March 13, 1988 Paris) also known as Xavier Saint Macary, Xavier St Macary or Xavier Macary was a French actor.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Xavier Saint-Macary was born in Orléans, France on June 7, 1948. He was a talented actor who began his career in the late 1970s, and quickly gained recognition for his work in French cinema. He appeared in many notable films over the years, including "Le Petit Bougnat" (1970), "Le Juge Fayard dit Le Sheriff" (1977), and "L'Homme blessé" (1983), among others.
In addition to his film work, Saint-Macary was also a respected stage actor, and performed in a number of plays throughout his career. He was widely regarded as one of France's most talented actors during the 1980s, and his sudden death from a heart attack on March 13, 1988 in Paris was a tremendous loss to the world of film and theater.
Despite his untimely death, Xavier Saint-Macary left behind a legacy of memorable performances that continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. His work remains an important and enduring part of French cinema history.
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Theophanis Lamboukas
Theophanis Lamboukas (January 26, 1936 Paris-August 28, 1970 Limoges) also known as Théo Sarapo, Theo Sarapo or Sarapo was a French singer and actor.
He died caused by traffic collision.
Born to Greek immigrant parents, Lamboukas started off as a hairdresser and met French songstress Edith Piaf while cutting her hair. Piaf became his mentor and lover, and in 1962 they got married. Lamboukas adopted the stage name Théo Sarapo and embarked on a successful singing career. He also acted in several films and was a regular on French television. Following Piaf's death in 1963, Sarapo struggled to maintain his career and was eventually killed in a car accident at the age of 34. Despite his short life, he remains a beloved figure in French popular culture.
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Patrick Dewaere
Patrick Dewaere (January 26, 1947 Saint-Brieuc-July 16, 1982 Paris) a.k.a. Patrick Maurin, Patrick Jean Marie Henri Bourdeaux, Patrick de Waëre or Jean-Marie Patrick Bourdeaux was a French actor and film score composer. His children are called Angele Herry-Leclerc and Lola Dewaere.
He died caused by suicide.
Patrick Dewaere began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in films like "Les Noces Rouges" and "Les Valseuses" alongside Gerard Depardieu. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile performer, with a range that included both dramatic and comedic roles. Some of his most memorable performances include his portrayal of a troubled musician in "Un mauvais fils" and a mentally unstable factory worker in "Serie noire."
Dewaere was also an accomplished composer, having written scores for several of his films. In addition to his work in film, he was also a prolific stage actor and appeared in several productions throughout his career.
Despite his success, Dewaere struggled with personal issues throughout his life. He battled depression and substance abuse, and was known to be volatile and occasionally abusive toward his loved ones. Sadly, his struggles came to a tragic end when he died by suicide in 1982 at the age of 35.
Despite his untimely death, Dewaere's legacy as one of France's most talented and influential actors lives on. His work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, and he remains an inspiration to many in the film and theater industries.
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Jacques Rigaut
Jacques Rigaut (December 30, 1898 Paris-November 9, 1929 Paris) was a French actor and poet.
He died as a result of suicide.
Rigaut was a member of the surrealist movement and was known for his eccentric behavior and literary talent. He was particularly close with authors such as André Breton and Louis Aragon. Despite his short life, Rigaut left a lasting impact on the surrealist movement and his auto-obituary, which he had written and titled "A la manière de...," remains one of his most notable works. His death at the age of 30 has been attributed to his deep depression and struggles with drug addiction. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Rigaut's legacy as a writer and performer has continued to inspire generations of artists.
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Marc Porel
Marc Porel (January 3, 1949 Lausanne-August 15, 1983 Casablanca) a.k.a. Marc Landry was a French actor. He had one child, Bérangère de Lagâtinerie.
He died in meningitis.
Marc Porel started out as a model in the late 1960s before transitioning to acting. He appeared in over 30 films throughout his career, including L'Ecole Buissonniere, The Sicilian Clan, and The Story of Adele H. His breakthrough role came in the 1973 film La Grande Bouffe, directed by Marco Ferreri. Porel also worked as a producer and directed one film, La Femme Fardée.
In addition to his film career, Porel was known for his tumultuous personal life. He was married twice, first to actress Marie Laforêt and then to actress Brigitte Fossey. He struggled with drug addiction and spent time in jail for drug-related offenses. Despite these challenges, Porel remained a well-regarded performer and continues to be remembered as a talented actor.
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Quentin Elias
Quentin Elias (May 10, 1974 Mende-February 25, 2014 New York City) also known as Q was a French singer, pornographic film actor, model and actor.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Quentin Elias was best known for being the lead singer of the French boy band Alliage. After the group disbanded in the late 90s, he pursued a solo career, releasing several albums in both French and English. In addition to his music career, Elias also made appearances in several French films and TV shows before transitioning into the adult film industry in 2004. He eventually retired from the industry and focused on his music career once again. Elias also competed on the French version of the reality show "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" in 2006. Despite his untimely death at the age of 39, Quentin Elias left a lasting impact on both the music and entertainment industries.
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Yasmine Belmadi
Yasmine Belmadi (January 26, 1976 Aubervilliers-July 18, 2009 Paris) was a French actor.
He was of Algerian descent and was known for his work in French cinema. Belmadi began his acting career in the mid-90s appearing in various short films and theatre productions. He gained recognition for his performance in the film "Wild Reeds" (1994), which won the Cesar Award for Best Film.
Belmadi went on to act in several other notable films such as "Presque Rien" (2000) and "Le Clan" (2004). He was also a talented musician and released an album titled "Sur Ton Cœur" in 2006.
Belmadi's promising career was tragically cut short when he died at the age of 33 in a motorcycle accident in Paris. His death was a great loss to the French film industry, and he is remembered for his talent and contribution to cinema.
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Julien Rassam
Julien Rassam (June 14, 1968 France-February 3, 2002 Paris) also known as Julien Langmann was a French actor.
He died as a result of suicide.
Julien Rassam was born to a family of film producers and directors, which led him to become interested in the entertainment industry from a young age. He made his acting debut in the early 1990s, starring in the French TV series "Extra Zigda." Rassam went on to appear in a number of well-known French films including "Un Air de Famille" and "Le Ciel Les Oiseaux et Ta Mère," among others. He also served as a producer on a number of films, including "Munich" and "A Prophet." Rassam struggled with addiction and depression throughout his career, and tragically took his own life at the age of 33.
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Élie Kakou
Élie Kakou (January 12, 1960 Nabeul-June 10, 1999 Paris) also known as Elie Kakou or Kakou, Élie was a French actor and comedian.
Born in Tunisia to a Sephardic Jewish family, Kakou moved to France at a young age. He began his career as a stand-up comedian and quickly gained popularity for his ability to imitate various accents and personas. He became a regular on French television, appearing on shows such as "Nulle Part Ailleurs" and "La Classe".
Kakou's humor often focused on cultural stereotypes and he was known for his impressions of characters such as Madame Sarfati, a Jewish grandmother, and Mme. Doubtfire, a British nanny. He also created original characters like Jocelyn, a flamboyant hairdresser, and Pénélope, a ditzy blonde.
Kakou passed away in 1999 at the young age of 39 due to complications from a rare genetic disorder. He is remembered as one of the most talented and beloved comedians in France, and his legacy lives on through his iconic characters and performances.
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Simon de La Brosse
Simon de La Brosse (October 9, 1965 Paris-April 17, 1998 Suresnes) also known as Simon de la Brosse was a French actor.
He died as a result of suicide.
Simon de La Brosse gained recognition for his role in the 1988 film "Chouans!" by Philippe de Broca. He later appeared in various French films such as "La Vie en Rose" (1994) and "Inséparables" (1999), among others. In addition to his acting career, Simon de La Brosse was also a talented musician and played the guitar in a band called "Les Tétines Noires." His death in 1998 at the age of 32 shocked the French entertainment industry and his fans.
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Peter Lee Lawrence
Peter Lee Lawrence (February 21, 1944 Lindau-April 20, 1974 Rome) a.k.a. Karl Hirenbach, Arthur Grant or Karl Hyrenbach was a French actor. He had one child, David Hyrenbach.
He died in cancer.
Peter Lee Lawrence was best known for his roles in Spaghetti Westerns such as "Death Walks in Laredo," "They Call Me Hallelujah," and "The Silent Stranger." He began his acting career in the early 1960s and quickly became a popular figure in Italian cinema. He primarily acted in westerns and crime-drama flicks, often displaying his ability to perform stunts while handling guns. Despite his growing popularity, Lawrence's life was shrouded in mystery. He was born in Germany in 1944 and raised in France. Little is known about his personal life, and he often used various aliases throughout his career. Lawrence died of cancer in Rome in 1974, at the young age of 30.
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David Dewaele
David Dewaele (March 19, 1976 Hazebrouck-February 27, 2013 Hazebrouck) also known as Dewaele, David or David Sébastien Dewaele was a French actor.
He died caused by stroke.
David Dewaele was best known for his role in the critically acclaimed French film "Hors Satan". He began his acting career in 2009 with a role in the film "La vie au ranch" and went on to appear in several other films including "Les Géants" and "La Fleur de l'âge". Outside of acting, Dewaele was also a musician and played the guitar in the band Beach House, which he formed with his brother. Dewaele's death was a shock to the French film industry and he is remembered as a talented actor and musician.
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Bruno Carette
Bruno Carette (November 26, 1956 Algiers-December 8, 1989 Paris) a.k.a. Bruno was a French actor and screenwriter.
He is best known for being a part of the comedy troupe "Les Nuls" which was hugely popular in France in the 1980s. Bruno originally started in theatre, and later transitioned to film where he starred in a number of successful French comedies such as "La Cité de la Peur" and "Le Père Noël est une ordure". Bruno's talent for physical comedy and improvisation made him a beloved figure in French cinema. Sadly, Bruno passed away in 1989 at the young age of 33 due to AIDS-related complications. His contributions to French comedy and film continue to be celebrated to this day.
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