Ten fun facts about Louis de Funès

Ten fun facts about Louis de Funès


1. Louis de Funès, French comedy giant

Louis de Funès is a giant of French comedy, standing alongside the likes of André Bourvil and Fernandel. His unique brand of physical comedy and slapstick humour has made him a beloved figure in France, and his films have been enjoyed by generations of fans. His most famous roles include the bumbling Inspector Clouseau in the 'Gendarme' series, and the hapless Monsieur Hulot in 'Mon Oncle'. His influence on French comedy is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to bring joy to audiences for years to come.

AlsoLino Ventura, French Cinema Icon, Dies at 91

Advertisement

2. Remembering Unique & Engaging Acting Style

The late French actor Louis de Funès is remembered for his unique and energetic acting style, which was characterized by a wide range of facial expressions, as well as his signature snappy impatience and selfishness. His performances were always captivating and full of life, and his ability to bring characters to life with his physicality and comedic timing was unparalleled. His legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans around the world, who still enjoy his films to this day.

AlsoKristin Scott Thomas: French Actress with a Wide Range of Success

3. The Man Behind the Moustache

Despite his immense success in Europe, particularly in Germany and the USSR, Louis de Funès remained largely unknown in the English-speaking world for many years. His films were not widely distributed outside of Europe, and his comedic style was not well-received by English-speaking audiences. As a result, his work has been largely overlooked in the English-speaking world, despite his immense popularity in other parts of Europe.

AlsoHugh Grant & Vincent Cassel: Dubbing French Films

4. Louis de Funès, "Fufu"

The beloved French actor Louis de Funès was affectionately known to his closest friends and family as "Fufu". His nickname was a playful take on his surname, and it was a term of endearment that was used to show the special bond between him and those closest to him.

AlsoSebastian Koch - Multilingual Actor with French Fluency

Advertisement

5. A Master of Comedy

Louis de Funès was a French actor renowned for his comedic roles in films. He was a polyglot, speaking French, Spanish, and English fluently. His mastery of the three languages enabled him to perform in films in all three languages, making him a truly international star. He was also able to use his linguistic skills to great comedic effect in his films, often playing characters who were able to switch between languages to great comic effect.

AlsoChristoph Waltz: Multilingual Actor with Impressive Linguistic Skills

6. Rare US Appearance

The legendary French actor Louis de Funès was seen only once in the United States in 1974, when his film The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob was released and subsequently nominated for a Golden Globe. This was a major milestone for de Funès, who had already achieved immense success in Europe but had yet to make a splash in the US. The film was a huge success, and de Funès' performance was widely praised, cementing his status as an international star.

AlsoJim Carrey: Iconic Actor and Comedian

7. Louis de Funès, France's Favorite Actor

In 1968, Louis de Funès was voted France's favorite actor in a nationwide poll. His popularity was so great that he was the only actor to receive more than 10% of the votes, with a staggering total of 28%. His comedic performances in films such as 'The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob' and 'The Gendarme of St. Tropez' made him a beloved figure in French cinema, and his legacy continues to this day.

AlsoVincent Cassel: French Actor with Unique and Captivating Presence

Advertisement

8. A Creative Genius

As a young man, Louis de Funès had a passion for art and music. He was an avid drawer, often sketching scenes from his imagination, and he was also a talented pianist, playing classical pieces with ease. His love of art and music stayed with him throughout his life, and he often used his creative talents to bring joy to others.

AlsoViggo Mortensen, Multilingual Actor, Can Dub His Own Voice

9. The prolific French actor who had an impressive career

The prolific French actor Louis de Funès had an impressive career, appearing in over 130 films and more than 100 stage productions. His iconic roles in films such as 'The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob' and 'The Gendarme of St. Tropez' have made him a beloved figure in French cinema. His stage performances were equally acclaimed, with his roles in 'The Imaginary Invalid' and 'The Miser' earning him numerous awards and accolades. His legacy continues to live on, with his films and performances still being enjoyed by audiences around the world.

AlsoGérard Depardieu: World's Highest-Paid Actor

10. Beloved French Actor (1914)

Louis de Funès, the beloved French actor, was born in Courbevoie, Hauts-de-Seine, France in 1914. His parents, originally from Seville, Spain, had moved to France in the early 1900s in search of a better life. De Funès' comedic talent was evident from a young age, and he went on to become one of the most iconic figures in French cinema, with his slapstick style of comedy captivating audiences around the world.

AlsoEmmanuelle Seigner: 50 Films and TV Shows

Advertisement

More interesting reads about...

LOAD COMMENTS AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Short about Louis de Funès
was a popular French actor of Spanish origin

Languages
Deutsch
Français
Español
English


Advertisement