Pierre Fresnay was an American actor best known for his roles in The Grand Illusion, The Murderer Lives at Number 21, and Monsieur Vincent.
Personal and Family Life
Pierre Fresnay, born Pierre Jules Louis Laudenbach on April 4, 1897, in Paris, France, was a talented actor and writer. He was married twice, first to Rachel Bérendt from 1918 to 1920 and then to Berthe Bovy from 1923 until their divorce in 1929. Fresnay was also known for his long-term partnership with actress Yvonne Printemps, which lasted until his death.
Career Highlights
Fresnay gained a strong reputation as a distinguished French actor, performing in films since 1915. He was a member of the prestigious Comédie-Française for eleven years and co-founded the Théâtre de la Michodière in Paris in 1937. His most notable work includes his performance as an aristocratic officer in Jean Renoir’s masterpiece The Grand Illusion (1937), which solidified his status as a significant figure in French cinema.
Death and Legacy
Pierre Fresnay passed away on January 9, 1975, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, due to respiratory problems. He left behind a rich legacy as one of France’s leading actors, with admiration from peers, including Sir Alec Guinness, who considered him his favorite actor. His contributions to film and theater continue to be celebrated by audiences and historians alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| La Grande Illusion | 1937-01-01 | Le capitaine de Boëldieu |
| Un grand patron | 1951-11-28 | Professeur Louis Delage |
| The Man Who Knew Too Much | 1934-12-01 | Louis Bernard |
| Les Vieux de la vieille | 1960-09-02 | Baptiste Talon, retraité S.N.C.F. |
| Le Puritain | 1938-01-13 | Le commissaire Lavan |
| Le Corbeau | 1943-09-28 | Le docteur Rémy Germain |
| Marius | 1931-10-09 | Marius Ollivier, fils de César |
| Fanny | 1932-10-27 | Marius Olivier |
| Monsieur Vincent | 1947-11-05 | Vincent de Paul |
| César | 1936-01-01 | Marius Ollivier |