His singing and dancing duet with Alain Chabat in the film The City of Fear marked the world of French comedy. Gérard Darmon was interviewed by Le Figaro this October 12. During the interview, the 76-year-old actor, who became a father for the fourth time seven years ago, spoke of the bonds of friendship that unite him with another famous actor: Vincent Lindon. The latter would have helped him to overcome a difficult period in his life by facilitating his access to a new role.
Referring to the slump he experienced between 1997 and 2000, Gérard Darmon first confided to our colleagues: “I had resigned, I was drowning in debt, I was very sad and no longer wanted to do this job.” Then he explained: “It took a friend, Vincent Lindon, to wake me up, then Alain Chabat to hire me for Asterix and Obelix: Cleopatra Mission. It’s all gone again.”
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Gérard Darmon: the role that relaunched his career
A true cinematic success, Asterix and Obelix: Cleopatra mission was released in theaters in 2002. Alain Chabat, figure of the comedy group Les Nuls, directed this feature film which features several renowned actors and comedians of the time in secondary roles. Among these, we can cite Edouard Baer, Jamel Debbouze, Isabelle Nanty, Marina Foïs and Gérard Darmon. In this adaptation of the comic strip Asterix and Cleopatrathe 76-year-old actor plays Amonbofis, a devious royal architect in Cleopatra’s service.
It was during a lunch with his friend Vincent Lindon that Gérard Darmon was informed of the work which was then only a film project for Alain Chabat, according to Point of view. He then called his former accomplice The City of Fear. “He apologizes for not thinking of me. Some time later, he contacted me again and offered me a very small role of nothing at all, with half a scene”had entrusted Gérard Darmon to Point of view. His role was developed during filming. The movie Asterix and Obelix: Cleopatra mission attracted approximately 14.5 million viewers to theaters and has enjoyed critical acclaim since its release. The role of Amonbofis helped revive the career of Gérard Darmon.
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias
Photo credits: COADIC GUIREC / BESTIMAGE
