Screenwriter and director Didier Kaminka, a French theater figure, has died at the age of 81

Didier Kaminka, the French screenwriter, director and actor of the 1970s and 1980s, died last Tuesday at the age of 81. He is known for his work in films such as Freebies, Banzai et Sofa saleleft a career marked by his collaborations with filmmakers such as Coluche, Pierre Richard and Daniel Auteuil.

Born on April 22, 1943 in Paris, Didier Kaminka first emerged as an actor in the 1960s before making a name for himself as a screenwriter. His career took a significant step forward when he co-wrote I don’t know anything but I will say everything (1973) with Pierre Richard, which paved the way for a series of successful comedies. He became the main collaborator of director Claude Zidi, signing funny and funny dialogues. Freebies (1980) and Kings of Gag (1985).

Behind the camera, he directed Sofa sale (1990), a social comedy depicting the failings of the working world, which was a huge success. His last role on screen was inside A sleeping Duval (2017) by Manuel Sanchez, where he plays an interesting artist, which is different from the fun of his first.

Didier Kaminka also left his mark on the theater as a dialogue writer, contributing to American adaptations. Total! and James Cameron, who will be True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger. “I salute the memory of a multi-talented filmmaker, who contributed to the flamboyance of French comedy,” said Culture Minister Rachida Dati in a statement.

A ceremony honoring Didier Kaminka will be held in Paris on Friday, October 4.

Alice Leroy