Here are 14 famous actors from France died in 2003:
Maurice Pialat (August 31, 1925 Cunlhat-January 11, 2003 Paris) was a French film director, actor, screenwriter, film editor, television director, cinematographer and film producer. He had one child, Antoine Pialat.
Pialat began his career in the film industry as an actor before transitioning to directing. He is well known for his realistic style of filmmaking, often depicting struggles of everyday people in a raw and unflinching way. His films have received numerous awards and recognition from both French and international film festivals. In addition to his filmmaking career, Pialat also taught at the Paris Institute of Higher Cinematographic Studies. Despite his success, he was often a controversial figure in the industry and was known for his outspoken and sometimes volatile personality.
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Jean Yanne (July 18, 1933 Les Lilas-May 23, 2003 Morsains) otherwise known as Feller, Johnny "Rock", Jean Roger Gouyé, Jean Gouyé or Jean Goué was a French actor, screenwriter, film director, film score composer, film producer, singer and comedian. He had two children, Jean-Christophe Gouyé and Thomas Gouyé.
Jean Yanne was a prominent figure in the French film industry during the 1960s and 1970s. He started his career in the industry as a screenwriter, penning scripts for movies such as "Weekend at Dunkirk" and "That Man from Rio". As an actor, Yanne appeared in more than 80 films, working with directors such as Claude Chabrol and Luis Buñuel.
In addition to his work in film, Yanne was also a popular singer, releasing several albums throughout his career. He was known for his irreverent and satirical style, often tackling political and social issues in his songs.
Yanne was also a political activist, and was involved in several protests and demonstrations during his lifetime. He was a staunch opponent of nuclear power and campaigned against the use of nuclear weapons.
Jean Yanne passed away in 2003 at the age of 69. He was remembered for his contributions to French cinema and his bold, unapologetic approach to his work.
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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.
Ceccaldi began his acting career in the 1950s and became a prominent figure in French cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. He appeared in over 100 films and worked with notable directors such as Francois Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, and Orson Welles. Ceccaldi was also a prolific stage actor, performing in numerous plays in Parisian theatres. In the 1980s, he transitioned into directing and writing for film and television, receiving critical acclaim for his work. Ceccaldi was also known for his television work, hosting the cultural program "L'Académie des neuf" in the 1980s. He made his mark in French culture, and is remembered as one of the most versatile figures in French entertainment industry.
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Michel Constantin (July 13, 1924 Billancourt-August 29, 2003 Draguignan) otherwise known as Constantin Hokloff, Les grandes oreilles or Constantin Hokhloff was a French actor. He had one child, Sophie Constantin.
Michel Constantin started his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in over 70 films in his lifetime. Despite his prolific career, he is best remembered for his roles in crime and action movies, particularly those directed by Georges Lautner. His breakthrough performance was in the 1956 film, "Gervaise", but he is most famous for his roles in "Les Tontons Flingueurs" (1963) and "Le Pacha" (1968).
Aside from acting, Michel Constantin was also an accomplished athlete and won several medals in weightlifting and bodybuilding competitions. He also played rugby for Racing Club de France and was a member of the French national team. Later in life, he dedicated himself to the sport of boules and became a champion player in his region.
Michel Constantin passed away in 2003 at the age of 79 in Draguignan, France. Despite his success as an actor and athlete, he remained very private and lived a quiet life with his family in the South of France.
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Jean Pélégri (June 20, 1920 Bougara-September 24, 2003 Paris) also known as Jean Pélégrit or Jean Pelegrit was a French writer, screenwriter, actor and teacher.
Pélégri is best known for his literary works which explored human emotions and relationships. His notable works include "La vie sans la mort", "Les hommes coulent", and "Le Pigeonnier". He also wrote several screenplays for films such as "Les Enfants Terribles" and "Diary of a Chambermaid". In addition to his writing career, Pélégri was also a respected educator and taught French language and literature in Algeria, France and Lebanon. Later in his life, he suffered from Alzheimer's disease and passed away at the age of 83 in Paris.
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André Claveau (December 17, 1911 Paris-July 14, 2003 Brassac, Tarn-et-Garonne) also known as Andre Claveau, Claveau, André or André Cleveau was a French singer and actor.
He rose to fame in the 1950s with the song "Domino", which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958 representing France. Claveau continued his successful career, recording more than 1,500 songs in his lifetime and appearing in over a dozen films. He was also known for his dynamic stage presence and his ability to connect with his audience. In addition to his musical achievements, Claveau also served in the French army during World War II and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery. He remained an active performer until his death in 2003 at the age of 91.
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Daniel Toscan du Plantier (April 7, 1941 Chambéry-February 11, 2003 Berlin) was a French film producer, actor, writer and teacher. He had five children, Carlo Toscan du Plantier, Maxime Toscan du Plantier, Tosca Toscan du Plantier, David Toscan du Plantier and Ariane Toscan du Plantier.
Daniel Toscan du Plantier is best known for his work as a film producer, having produced over 70 films during his career, many of which were critically acclaimed and won numerous awards. Some of the most notable films he produced include "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1990), "Ridicule" (1996), "Indochine" (1992), and "Manon des Sources" (1986).
In addition to his success as a film producer, Toscan du Plantier was also an accomplished actor, having appeared in over a dozen films himself. He also wrote several books about the cinema, including his memoir "Un métier idéal" (An Ideal Job) which explored his career and experiences in the film industry.
Toscan du Plantier was highly respected in the film industry and served as the president of several important organizations, including the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma, which oversees the César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscar Awards), and the Festival de Cannes, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
Tragically, Toscan du Plantier died in 2003 at the age of 61 while in Berlin for the premiere of one of his films. His contributions to French cinema and his impact on the film industry as a whole have continued to be recognized and celebrated long after his death.
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Guy Lux (June 21, 1919 Paris-June 13, 2003 Neuilly-sur-Seine) otherwise known as Maurice Guy was a French actor, screenwriter, television producer and film director.
He is best known for creating and hosting several iconic game shows in France including "Intervilles" and "Le Schmilblick". Lux's career in the entertainment industry spanned over four decades and he was a pioneer in bringing game shows to French television. He was also a prolific film director in the 1950s and 60s, directing movies such as "Le Pion" and "Un Drame Sous La Mer". Lux was posthumously awarded the Legion of Honour for his contributions to French television and culture.
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Henri Attal (May 13, 1936 Paris-July 24, 2003 Cucq) also known as Henri Atal, Henry Attal, H. Attal, Atal or Attal was a French actor.
He began his career as a stuntman and eventually transitioned into acting, making appearances in over 150 films and television shows throughout his career. Attal was best known for his roles in popular French films such as "Breathless," "Le Cercle Rouge," and "Army of Shadows." He often played supporting roles, but was widely recognized for his talent and ability to bring depth to his characters. Attal was also a regular collaborator of French director Jean-Pierre Melville, appearing in several of his films. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 67.
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François Béranger (August 28, 1937 Amilly, Loiret-October 14, 2003 La Sauve) also known as Francois Beranger or Béranger, François was a French actor and film score composer.
In addition to his work in film, François Béranger was also a renowned singer-songwriter and poet. He began his musical career in the early 1960s, singing in Parisian cafes alongside other French artists such as Léo Ferré and Jacques Brel. Béranger's music often focused on social and political issues, and he became known for his biting lyrics and rebellious attitude. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including "La Morte-saison des amours" and "Un P'tit air dans la tête". Béranger was also a dedicated activist, supporting causes such as nuclear disarmament and workers' rights. He remained active in music and politics until his death in 2003 at the age of 66.
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Jacques François (May 16, 1920 Paris-November 25, 2003 Paris) also known as Jacques Francois was a French actor. He had one child, Cyril François.
Jacques François began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to appear in over 180 films throughout his lifetime. He was known for his versatile acting abilities and played a variety of roles in films ranging from drama to comedy. Some of his notable films include "La Grande Vadrouille" (1966), "Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez" (1964), and "The Day of the Jackal" (1973).
Besides his successful film career, Jacques François was also a well-respected stage actor, appearing in numerous French theatrical productions. He received critical acclaim for his performances in plays like "The Misanthrope," "Cyrano de Bergerac," and "The Marriage of Figaro."
Throughout his career, Jacques François was recognized for his contributions to the French film industry and was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor in 2001, just two years before his death.
Despite his fame and success, Jacques François was known for maintaining a low profile in his personal life. He passed away in Paris in 2003 at the age of 83.
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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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Alexis Kanner (May 2, 1942 Bagnères-de-Luchon-December 13, 2003 London) also known as Henri Alexis Kanner, Henri Lucas or Henry Leroy was a French film director, actor, screenwriter, film editor and film producer.
Kanner was born to a Russian-Jewish family and spent most of his early childhood in Paris. In 1951, his family emigrated to Canada where he began his career in acting. He appeared in several productions on both stage and screen, including the CBC television series, "The Forest Rangers."
In 1965, Kanner moved to London where he continued his career in the entertainment industry. He made his directorial debut with the film "The Fox" in 1967 and went on to direct several other films, including "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" in 1971.
In addition to his work in film, Kanner was also a prolific stage actor, appearing in productions of "Hamlet," "The Cherry Orchard," and "Antigone."
Throughout his career, Kanner was known for his avant-garde approach to filmmaking, often incorporating experimental techniques into his work. He was also a passionate advocate for political and social causes, and his films often addressed issues of race, class, and inequality.
Kanner passed away in 2003 at the age of 61 after suffering from cancer. His contributions to the world of film and theater continue to be celebrated today.
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Henri Cogan (September 13, 1924 Paris-September 23, 2003 Boulogne-Billancourt) also known as Henry Cogan or Henri Kagan was a French actor, stunt performer and wrestler. His child is called Dany Kogan.
Henri Cogan first gained notoriety in the world of wrestling. He wrestled professionally under the name "La Menace rouge" ("The Red Menace"), and later became a stuntman in French films, specializing in dangerous and physically demanding stunts. He worked on over 200 films as a stuntman, including several James Bond movies.
Cogan eventually transitioned to acting, appearing in films such as "The Guns of Navarone" and "The Longest Day". He often played tough, no-nonsense characters and was known for his imposing physical presence.
Aside from his work in the film industry, Cogan was also a skilled athlete. He was a champion weightlifter and practiced a variety of martial arts, including judo and karate.
Cogan passed away in 2003 at the age of 79. Despite his prolific career, he remains relatively unknown outside of France.
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