Gérard Philipe

Also very popular in Germany, in Berlin a theater has also been named for him. His career has often been compared with that of Olivier, Alec Guinness and John Gielgud. There is a film festival named in his honor plus a number of theaters, schools and colleges have been given his name in various parts of France. His film appearances included The Heiress, Richard III (playing Buckingham to Laurence Olivier's Richard), O Lucky Man!, Oh! What a Lovely War and Time Bandits. In 1961, his portrait appeared on a French commemorative postage stamp. After World War II, he became co-director of the Vic, and also appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-on-Avon. One of the most popular French actors of his time, his image has been enhanced by his young death at the peak of his popularity and has risen to near legendary status in France. Thereafter he became one of the Old Vic's major stars.

To commemorate the100th anniversary of film, in 1995 the government of France issued a series of limited edition coins that included a 100 Franc coin bearing the image of Gérard Philipe. Richardson was born in Cheltenham and made his West End début in 1926. An actress and writer who adopted the pseudonym, Anne Philipe, she wrote about her husband in a two books, the first called " Souvenirs" published in 1960 and in 1963 a second biography titled "Le Temps d'un soupir" (No Longer Than a Sigh). Sir Ralph David Richardson (December 19, 1902 - 1983) was an English actor, one of a group of theatrical knights of the mid-20th century who, though more closely associated with the stage, did their best to make the transition to film. In 1951, Gérard Philipe married Nicole Fourcade (1917-1990) with whom he had two children. He is buried in the village cemetery in Ramatuelle, Var near the Mediterranean Sea coast.

Recognized worldwide for his talent, he was at the pinnacle of his career when, a few days short of his 37th birthday, Gérard Philipe died from cancer of the liver while in Paris working on a film project. From roles as diverse as Faust to Modigliani, he was sought out by France's preeminent directors for his versatility and professionalism. Although adored by young women, beyond his good looks Gérard Philipe was a very talented actor who was highly regarded by his peers. Gérard Philipe made his film debut in 1943 in Les Petites du Quai aux Fleurs and after a few more minor film roles, he rocketed to fame as a result of his performance in Claude Autant-Lara's 1947 film Le diable au corps.

At age 19, he made his stage debut at a theater in Nice and the following year his strong performance in the Albert Camus play, "Caligula" brought an invitation to work with the Théâtre national populaire (T.N.P.) in Paris. Born in Cannes, as a teenager Gérard Philipe took acting lessons before going to Paris to study at the Conservatory of Dramatic Art. Gérard Philipe (December 4, 1922 – November 22, 1959) was a prominent French actor. La fièvre monte à El Pao (1959).

Les Liaisons dangereuses (1959). Le Joueur (1958). Montparnasse 19 (1957). Si Paris nous était conté (1955).

Les Grandes Manoeuvres (1955). Monsieur Ripois (1954). Le rouge et le noir (1954). Si Versailles m'était conté (1953).

Fanfan la tulipe (1952). La Ronde (1950). La Chartreuse De Parme (1948). Le diable au corps (1947).

L'Idiot (1946). Les Petites du Quai aux Fleurs (1943).