The world of French cinema is in mourning, after the author, screenwriter and director Michel Blanc died at the age of 72, on the night of Thursday to Friday. According to the French media, the artist died of a heart attack. Blanc, known for iconic roles such as Jean-Claude Dusse in “Les Bronzés” and for his work behind the camera, deeply marked the French cinema and theater scene.
Michel Blanc, the famous actor of “Les Bronzés”, passed away
Michel Blanc, renowned actor, screenwriter and director, died at the age of 72. Born in Courbevoie, in the Hauts-de-Seine, Michel Blanc was the son of a carrier and a typist, coming from a humble but hopeful background. In the 1970s, the young Blanc came to the public’s attention with the troupe of actors Splendid, an energetic and innovative team that brought together names such as Christian Clavier, Gérard Jugnot, Thierry Lhermitte, Josiane Balasko, Marie-Anne Chazel and Bruno Moynot.
Together, they managed to shine on the stages of Parisian café-theatres, where they captivated audiences with their genuine charm and provocative humor, becoming recognized as a real force in the Parisian entertainment world. Michel Blanc’s career was vast and comprehensive, and for many, he will forever be associated with the legendary role of Jean-Claude Dusse, the clumsy bachelor in Patrice Leconte’s “Les Bronzés” trilogy, released in 1978, 1979 and 2006 .
The character of Dusse became a true emblem of French comedy, and his lines were quoted and remembered by whole generations. Blanc also lent his unmistakable voice to Le père Noël est une ordure (1982), cementing his status as a comedy icon. In the 80s, Michel Blanc decided to explore the other side of cinematography, going behind the camera. In 1984, he directed “Marche à l’ombre”, a comedy about two hypochondriac friends who make their way through the musical world of Paris, in a context full of adventures and difficulties.
The film, in which Michel Blanc starred alongside Gérard Lanvin, was a resounding success at the box office and showed audiences that Blanc was not only a talented actor, but also a director capable of telling captivating stories. Over the decades, he has continued to devote himself to both stage and screen, exploring various facets of theatrical and cinematic art.
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The impressive career of Michel Blanc
Among his most important achievements is the collaboration with the actress Medeea Marinescu in “Je vous trouve très beau/ I find you charming”, in 2006, a film directed by Isabelle Mergault. This warm and sensitive story allowed Michel Blanc to once again demonstrate his versatility and charm as an actor, creating a special connection with international audiences. His career has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions. In 1984, Blanc received the award for best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival for “Grosse fatigue”, a film he directed, and in 1986 he won the award for best actor for his role in “Tenue de soirée”. of Bertrand Blier, a comedy with dramatic undertones that allowed him to explore complex emotional depths. The year 2004 brought him a Molière award for the best adaptation of the play “L’Amour est enfant de salaud”, showing once again his passion for the theater and his ability to transform stories into authentic experiences for the audience. In 2012, Michel Blanc was once again recognized for his acting talent, receiving the César for Best Supporting Actor in “L’exercice de l’État”, a film directed by Pierre Schoeller. His role in this drama was appreciated for the intensity and subtlety of the performance, proving that Michel Blanc could adapt to any type of character, be it comic or dramatic. In 2021, the band Splendid, of which Blanc was a part, received the anniversary César, a collective recognition of their outstanding contribution to French film culture.
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