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André Bourvil | |
|---|---|
 Bourvil in 1967 | |
| Born | André Robert Raimbourg (1917-07-27)27 July 1917 Prétot-Vicquemare, France |
| Died | 23 September 1970(1970-09-23) (aged 53) Paris, France |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1941–1970 |
| Children | Philippe Raimbourg Dominique Raimbourg |
André Robert Raimbourg (French pronunciation:[ɑ̃dʁeʁɔbɛʁʁɛ̃buʁ]; 27 July 1917 – 23 September 1970), better known asAndré Bourvil (French pronunciation:[ɑ̃dʁebuʁˈvil]), andmononymously asBourvil, was a French actor and singer best known for his roles in comedy films, most notably in his collaboration withLouis de Funès in the filmsLe Corniaud (1965) andLa Grande Vadrouille (1966). For his performance inLe Corniaud, he won a Special Diploma at the4th Moscow International Film Festival.[1]
Bourvil's father was killed in the First World War before he was born. As a result, he spent his entire childhood in the village ofBourville, from which he took his stage name. He married Jeanne Lefrique on 23 January 1943. After a battle withKahler's syndrome, which attacks thebone marrow, he died at the age of 53.[2] He is buried inMontainville, Yvelines.
In his comic performances Bourvil principally played roles of gentle and well-meaning characters who were often a bit obtuse or naïve, such as his roles opposite the hyperactive, dishonest and bossy ones played byLouis de Funès. Bourvil's characters not only managed to make viewers laugh, but also to save themselves, often unwittingly, from theMachiavellian designs of his adversaries.
Bourvil was, however, also capable of more dramatic roles such as the handyman inL'Arbre de Noël (1969). In this role he observes the relationship between a man he works for and the young son who has fallen ill. The audience can identify with the character played by Bourvil, just as they can in his comic roles, so often as a simple man. One can also note his role ofMonsieur Thénardier in the film adaptation ofLes Misérables (1958), and his penultimate role as the policeman Mattei inJean-Pierre Melville'sLe Cercle rouge (1970).
In March 1948, Bourvil took part in the complete recording ofOffenbach'sThe Tales of Hoffmann with artists of the ParisOpéra-Comique conducted byAndré Cluytens, playing the four 'servant' roles.
Nearly 300, among which the best known are:
