Born at No 12 Nevsky Prospect in Saint Petersburg, Alexandre-Pierre Georges Guitry, known as Sacha, was the son of prominent French actors. Throughout a career spanning from 1902 until his death in 1957, he established himself as a versatile force in French theatre and cinema, writing 115 plays while managing multiple roles as an actor, screenwriter, and director.
Theatrical Foundations
Guitry made his stage debut at age five while his father, Lucien Guitry, managed the Théâtre Michel in Russia. After returning to France and attending the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly, he abandoned formal education at sixteen. He launched his playwright career in 1902 with the musical piece Le Page. By 1904, he debuted at the Théâtre de la Renaissance, later gaining recognition for his performances in boulevardier roles.
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During his career, Guitry famously collaborated with actresses he married, including Yvonne Printemps, for whom he wrote several leading roles. His stage work often featured period-dress comedies, such as the 1925 production Mozart, which included music by Reynaldo Hahn. Despite early skepticism regarding silent film, he embraced cinema from the 1930s, eventually producing up to five films in a single year.
Wartime and Later Years
The final years of his life were marked by accusations of collaborating with occupying German forces during the Second World War. Although these charges were eventually dismissed, the public criticism disillusioned him. Despite this, he remained a respected figure until his death in 1957. Upon his passing, 12,000 people attended his funeral procession before his burial at Montmartre Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1885, Saint Petersburg
- Died: 1957, Paris
- Total plays written: 115
- Burial site: Montmartre Cemetery
- Citizenship: France
- Legion of Honour rank: Commander (1936)
- Debut work: Le Page (1902)
- Member of: Académie Goncourt
Questions readers ask
Why did Sacha Guitry avoid early cinema?
He found the lack of spoken dialogue in silent films detrimental to dramatic impact.
How many times was he married?
Guitry was married five times, typically to rising actresses whose careers he supported.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1923
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 1931
- Commander of the Legion of Honour — 1936
- Commander of the Order of Saint-Charles — 1940
- Commander of the order of Nichan Iftikhar
- Worked as screenwriter, playwright and film director
