Michel Piccoli

Michel Piccoli (27 December 1925 – 12 May 2020) was one of the prominent figures in the French film industry, having spent 70 years in a career encompassing acting, producing, and directing. Being a versatile actor, he brought to life a wide spectrum of characters, demonstrating an impressive depth and adaptability. His commendable performances in films directed by Luis Buñuel, Jean-Luc Godard, and Alfred Hitchcock, formed an important part of his extensive filmography. In 1973, his performance in Luis García Berlanga's Tamaño natural [es], which suffered censorship during the Franco era, underlined his commitment towards artistic freedom.

Born to a musical family in Paris, Piccoli's varied interests also included directing; he directed three films in the 1990s. Piccoli's later roles exemplified his prowess as an actor, like his portrayal of a depressed, newly elected pope in Nanni Moretti's 'We Have a Pope' (2011) for which he won the David di Donatello Award for Best Actor. In his personal life, he was married thrice, and had three children. He passed away at the age of 94 from stroke complications.