The 1949 film Gigi marked the uncredited screen debut for Philippe Noiret, a performer who would eventually accumulate over 100 film roles throughout his career. Born in Lille in 1930, he transitioned from a background in stage acting and cabaret comedy to become a recognizable fixture of the French cinema landscape for several decades.
Early Career and Education
Educated at the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly and the College of Juilly, Noiret initially struggled with academic exams. He transitioned to theater studies and trained at the Centre Dramatique de l'Ouest. During his seven-year tour with the Théâtre National Populaire, he also performed in a nightclub comedy duo alongside Jean-Pierre Darras, satirizing political figures including Charles de Gaulle.
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Noiret appeared in Agnès Varda's 1955 film La Pointe Courte, though he did not return to the screen until 1960's Zazie dans le Métro. He gradually secured regular roles, notably in Thérèse Desqueyroux and Le Capitaine Fracasse. His breakthrough to stardom arrived with Yves Robert's Alexandre le Bienheureux, followed by international appearances in films by directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and George Cukor.
Awards and Significant Roles
Throughout his career, Noiret earned critical recognition for roles in films such as Cinema Paradiso, Il Postino, and Life and Nothing But. His performance in Le Vieux Fusil earned him a César Award for Best Actor in 1976, and he secured a second César in 1990 for Life and Nothing But. Additionally, he received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1991 for his work in Cinema Paradiso.
Final Years
Noiret remained prolific until the end of his life, viewing a continuous work schedule as a necessary hedge against professional failure. In 2006, he died of cancer in the 7th arrondissement of Paris at the age of 76. He was buried at the Montparnasse Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1930, Lille
- Died: 2006, 7th arrondissement of Paris
- Education: Lycée Janson-de-Sailly and College of Juilly
- César Award for Best Actor: 1976 and 1990
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor: 1991
- Burial place: Montparnasse Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What kind of roles did Philippe Noiret typically play?
He was primarily cast as an Everyman character, though he also accepted controversial parts such as the melancholy doctor in The Gold Rimmed Glasses.
Did Noiret have interests outside of acting?
He was a passionate horseman who frequently shared this hobby with fellow actors Jean Rochefort and Jean-Pierre Marielle.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Educated at Lycée Janson-de-Sailly and College of Juilly
- Worked as film actor, cabaret performer and voice actor
