Jess Hahn was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Night of the Following Day, Les Grandes Gueules, and Le Signe du Lion. Although born in Indiana, he spent much of his career in French cinema, often portraying tough characters.
Personal and Family Life
Jess Hahn was born Jesse Beryle Hahn on October 29, 1921, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He had a tall and imposing presence at 6 feet 2¾ inches (1.90 m), which helped him land various roles in film and theater. Hahn had a warm personality and a good sense of humor, making him a beloved figure among audiences, even if they didn’t often know his name.
Career
Despite being an American actor, Jess Hahn never appeared in a film shot in the United States. He became well-known in France for his roles as gangsters and officers in over 90 films and numerous television shows. Although he showed his talent in serious roles, many of the movies he starred in were less notable after 1966. Eventually, he chose a more private life, working on his farm in Brittany and acting only occasionally.
Death and Legacy
Jess Hahn passed away on June 29, 1998, in a hospital in Saint-Malo, France, from natural causes. He was largely forgotten by the film industry but still remembered fondly by fans through his performances in various films and television shows.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Тегеран-43 | 1981-07-08 | Second Terrorist |
| What’s New Pussycat? | 1965-06-22 | Peter Werner |
| New York chiama Superdrago | 1966-02-17 | Baby Face |
| Triple Cross | 1966-12-09 | Commander Braid |
| Topkapi | 1964-09-02 | Hans |
| Les Grandes gueules | 1965-10-22 | Calderon aka “Nénesse” |
| Cartouche | 1962-03-07 | La Douceur |
| The Night of the Following Day | 1969-01-10 | Friendly |