Pierre Maguelon

Pierre Maguelon (3 September 1933 – 10 July 2010) was a prolific French character actor whose career spanned nearly four decades, beginning in the early 1960s and extending to the close of the 1990s. Born in France, Maguelon entered the cinematic world with a small role in the 1960 comedy Tire‑au‑flanc 62, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence in supporting parts. Over the next thirty‑plus years he appeared in more than sixty films and television productions, often cast as policemen, inspectors, or other authoritative figures, a typecasting that showcased his sturdy demeanor and understated humor. Notable collaborations include his work with director Luis Buñuel, where he delivered memorable performances as a police sergeant in The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) and as a Guardia Civil corporal in The Milky Way (1969), both films that cemented his reputation within the French New Wave and surrealist cinema. His filmography also features roles in popular comedies such as The Suitor (1962), dramatic pieces like Cyrano de Bergerac (1990) where he portrayed Carbon de Castel‑Jaloux, and beloved family classics My Father’s Glory and My Mother’s Castle (both 1990), in which he played François, a warm‑hearted paternal figure. On television, Maguelon earned recognition for his recurring detective roles in series like The Tiger Brigades (1974) and Julien Fontanes, magistrat (1985). Though rarely in leading roles, his versatility and dependable screen presence made him a cherished staple of French cinema, contributing to the texture of countless productions. In his later years Maguelon continued to work steadily, with his final credited film appearance in Fin d’été (1999). He passed away on 10 July 2010, leaving behind a legacy of over three hundred minutes of nuanced performances that continue to be appreciated by scholars and audiences alike.