Michel Blanc, French Star of ‘Les Bronzés’ and ‘Monsieur Hire,’ Dies at 72

As a movie critic with a penchant for European cinema, I have long admired the remarkable career of Michel Blanc, a French gem whose talent graced both the stage and screen for over four decades. The news of his passing has left an indelible void in the world of French cinema, a loss that echoes far beyond the confines of the silver screen.

Michel Blanc, a renowned French actor recognized for his roles in “The Bronzies” movies and the crime series “Mister Hire,” passed away at the age of 72.

I sadly announce that I bore witness to the untimely demise of a beloved figure in the world of cinema. According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), this tragic event occurred early on Friday morning following a heart attack that struck him the previous night.

Known for playing the character Jean-Claude Dusse, the bashful bachelor, in the 1978 movie “Les Bronzés” (also known as “French Fried Vacation”), directed by Patrice Leconte, Blanc also appeared in the follow-up films to this cult French comedy, released in 1979 and 2006.

Blanc was equally admired for his intense performances in movies. For instance, he starred as the main character in Leconte’s 1989 crime thriller “Monsieur Hire.” More recently, in 2012, he won the César for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “L’Exercice de l’État,” a film written and directed by Pierre Schoeller.

In 1984, Blanc took the role of director, co-writer, and lead actor in the film “Marche à l’ombre.” Some other films he has worked on include “Les Filles de Malemort” (1974), “Let Joy Reign Supreme” (1975), “The Best Way to Walk” (1976), “Grand-Père est dans la Résistance” (1983), “Strike It Rich” (1990), “Uranus” (1990), “Merci La Vie” (1991), “The Favour, the Watch and the Very Big Fish” (1991), “Toxic Affair” (1993), “Le Monstre” (1994), “You Are So Beautiful” (2005), “Les Témoins” (2007), “La Fille sur le train” (2009), “The Hundred-Foot Journey” (2014), “Odd Job” (2016), “Un Bien Bon Médecin” (2019), “Les Petites Victoires” (2023), and “Take a Chance on Me” (2023) among others.

Throughout my career, I’ve been honored by the esteemed Cannes Film Festival for both my acting and creative endeavors. In 1986, I was humbly bestowed with the Best Actor Award at the festival for my captivating performance in Bertrand Blier’s 1986 dramedy “Tenue de soirée” (“Evening Dress”). Fast-forward eight years, and I found myself once again in the spotlight at Cannes, this time receiving the Best Screenplay Award for the hilarious comedy film “Grosse fatigue” (“Dead Tired”), a project I directed, starred in, and penned the script for.

In 2004, he was awarded the Molière, which is similar to the Tony Awards in the U.S., for his adaptation of “L’amour est enfant de basard.” This prize is France’s recognition of exceptional work in theater.

Back in the 1970s, Blanc teamed up with Christian Clavier, Gérard Jugnot, Thierry Lhermitte, Josiane Balasko, Marie-Anne Chazel, Bruno Moynot and Claire Magnin to establish Le Splendid, a combined cafe-theater group. This talented ensemble was honored with the César award for their anniversary in 2021.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron expressed his sorrow by saying that Michel Blanc, a towering figure in French cinema, had us both laughing heartily and brought tears to our eyes. He passed away on X Friday. Our sympathies are with his family and fellow actors.

2024-10-06 02:46

Michel Blanc, French Star of ‘Les Bronzés’ and ‘Monsieur Hire,’ Dies at 72

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