Jean Rochefort

Jean Raoul Robert Rochefort (29 April 1930 – 9 October 2017) was a renowned French actor remembered for many prominent roles. Rochefort's career spanned several decades and different media outlets, including theatre, television, and cinema; he also worked as a director. After early success in theater, Rochefort gained recognition in film roles, first in supporting roles and eventually as a leading man. Notable films include 1972's Hearth Fires where he portrayed a father returning to his family after a ten-year absence. This role also marked the debut of Rochefort's iconic moustache. Success continued with films like Pardon Mon Affaire and Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire. Beyond acting, Rochefort was the narrator of the French version of Welcome to Pooh Corner and recorded audio versions of Disney films. Rochefort faced a huge career disappointment when production for The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, a film he learned English specifically to participate in, was cancelled due to various production issues. His later career saw a return to comedy and performances alongside peers such as Philippe Noiret and Jean-Pierre Marielle. Throughout his career, he won three César Awards, including Best Supporting Actor (1976) and Best Actor (1978) and received many more nominations. He also has an extensive theater resume, beginning with his first performance in the play Azouk in 1953 to his one-man show in 2007. Rochefort died in 2017 at the age of 87, ending an impactful and lasting career in the French film industry.