Raimu, born Jules Auguste Cesar Muraire, was a French actor known for his roles in films like Marius, Fanny, and César. He is celebrated as one of the greatest actors of his time and was a prominent figure in the French cinema of the 1930s and 1940s.
Personal and Family Life
Raimu was born on December 18, 1883, in Toulon, France, to a modest family. He married Esther Metayer in 1936, and they had one child together. His personal life was often intertwined with his career, and he enjoyed a successful partnership with writer and director Marcel Pagnol.
Career Highlights
He began his acting career on stage at the age of 16 and quickly gained popularity as a comedian. His breakthrough came with the 1929 play “Marius,” which led to a successful film trilogy. Raimu became known for his portrayal of working-class characters, able to convey both humor and deep emotion effectively.
Death and Legacy
Raimu passed away on September 20, 1946, due to a heart attack following a minor surgery. His death was a significant loss to the French film industry, and he was remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. In 1961, he was honored with his image on a postage stamp by the French government.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Marius | 1931-10-09 | César Ollivier |
| Fanny | 1932-10-27 | César Olivier |
| La Femme du boulanger | 1938-09-07 | Aimable Castanier |
| César | 1936-01-01 | César Ollivier |
| Noix de coco | 1939-02-17 | Loulou Barbentane |
| L’École des cocottes | 1935-09-27 | Labaume |
| Le Blanc et le Noir | 1931-03-27 | Marcel Desnoyers |
| Un carnet de bal | 1937-09-09 | Francois Patusset |
| Le Colonel Chabert | 1943-12-01 | Le Colonel Hyacinthe Chabert |
| Les gueux au paradis | 1945-07-15 | Boule |
| Théodore et Cie | 1933-04-01 | Clodomir |
| Les Petits Riens | 1942-12-16 | Charpillon |