Marcel Hillaire was an American actor best known for his roles in “Sabrina,” “Take the Money and Run,” and various television shows. Born Erwin Ottmar Hiller on April 23, 1908, in Cologne, Germany, he established a significant presence in Hollywood over a career that spanned four decades.
Personal and Family Life
Marcel Hillaire was born into a family with a musical background; his father, Paul, and brother, Edgar, were both opera singers. His great-grandfather changed the family’s last name from Hildesheim to Hiller to protect their Jewish identity amid rising anti-Semitism in Europe. Marcel initially performed under the stage name “Harry Furster” to mask his ancestry.
Career Highlights
Marcel began acting on television in 1952 and made his Broadway debut in “The Heavenly Twins.” He quickly gained fame for his comedic interpretation of French stereotypes and appeared alongside notable actors in films like “Sabrina,” where he played a humorous professor. In the 1960s, he made several memorable appearances in spy comedies like “Get Smart” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” showcasing his unique brand of humor.
Death and Legacy
Marcel Hillaire passed away on January 1, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from surgery. He left behind a legacy as a talented character actor whose roles often brought a smile to audiences through his distinctive portrayals.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Take the Money and Run | 1969-08-18 | Fritz |
| Sabrina | 1954-09-10 | Professor |
| The Honeymoon Machine | 1961-08-16 | Inspector of casino games |
| Seven Thieves | 1960-03-11 | Duc di Salins |
| The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse | 1962-02-07 | Armand Dibier |
| Made in Paris | 1966-02-09 | Attendant |
| Take Her, She’s Mine | 1963-11-13 | Policeman |
| Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy Incident | 1976-09-29 | Charles De Gaulle |
| Beggarman, Thief | 1979-11-26 | Magistrate |
| The Art of Love | 1965-06-30 | Executioner |
| Wild and Wonderful | 1964-06-09 | Inspector Duvivier |
| The Six Million Dollar Man: The Solid Gold Kidnapping | 1973-11-17 | Customs Inspector |
| The Wheeler Dealers | 1963-11-14 | Giuseppe (Maitre d’) |
| Monkeys, Go Home! | 1967-02-08 | Mayor Gaston Lou |
| Evening in Byzantium | 1978-08-14 | Insp. Le Dioux |
| The Boy from Dead Man’s Bayou | 1971-02-09 | |
| Murderers’ Row | 1966-12-20 | Police Capt. Deveraux |
| Keefer | 1978-03-16 | Maureau |
| Now You See It, Now You Don’t | 1968-11-11 | Monsieur Moulle |
| Three For Tahiti | 1970-08-19 | Police Chief Longet |
| A Very Special Favor | 1965-08-02 | Claude |
| The Twilight Zone | 1959-10-02 | Pierre |
| Amerika | 1987-02-15 | Dieter Heinlander |
| Lost in Space | 1965-09-15 | Phanzig |
| Lost in Space | 1965-09-15 | Junkman |
| The Time Tunnel | 1966-09-09 | Boudaire |
| The Rogues | 1964-09-13 | Rorvik |
| The Rogues | 1964-09-13 | Le Beau |
| Mission: Impossible | 1966-09-17 | Bishop |