Who Are Those Guys? ~ Fernandel

 

Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin was born on May 8, 1903. Better known as Fernandel, he was a French comic actor. Born in Marseille, France, to Désirée Bedouin and Denis Contandin, originating in Perosa Argentina, a town located in the province of Turin, Italy, he became a comedy star, first gaining popularity in French vaudeville, operettas, and music-hall revues. His stage name originated from his marriage to Henriette Manse, the sister of his best friend and frequent cinematic collaborator Jean Manse. So attentive was he to his wife that his mother-in-law amusingly referred to him as Fernand d'elle ("Fernand of her").

Appearing as Fernandel since 1922, in 1930, Fernandel appeared in his first motion picture and for more than forty years he would be one of France's top comic actors. He was perhaps best loved for his portrayal of the irascible Italian village priest at war with the town's Communist mayor in the “Don Camillo” series of motion pictures. His horse-like teeth became part of his trademark. 

He also appeared in Italian and American films. His first Hollywood motion picture was 1956's “Around the World in 80 Days” in which he played David Niven's coachman. His popular performance in that film led to his starring with Bob Hope and Anita Ekberg in the 1958 comedy “Paris Holiday”.

In addition to acting, Fernandel also directed or co-produced several of his own films. His profile was raised in Britain by the 60s TV advertisements for Dubonnet in which he would say "Do 'Ave A Dubonnet"

Fernandel died from lung cancer on February 26, 1971, in Paris, France he was 67.

FERNANDEL (Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin) [5/8/1903, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France – 2/26/1971, Paris, Île-de-France, France (lung cancer)] – producer, director, singer, film, TV actor, brother of actor Fransined (Francis Laurent Contandin) [1914-2012], married to Henriette Manse [1902-1984] (1925-1971) father of actress, singer Josette Contandin (Josette Marie Contandin) [1926-2017], Janine Contadin [1930-2020], actor, singer Franck Fernande (Franck-Gérard Contandin) [1935-2011], grandfather of actor, singer Vincent Fernandel [1983-    ].

The Terror of the Pampas – 1932 (Billy Foster)

Dynamite Jack – 1960 (Antoine Espérandieu, Dynamite Jack)