Who was Jean Gabin?
Q: Who was Jean Gabin?
A: Jean Gabin was a French actor and singer who is considered one of the great stars of French cinema. He was made a member of the Légion d'honneur.
Q: How did Gabin get his start in acting?
A: At the age of 19, Gabin received a small role in a Folies Bergère production. He continued acting until he joined the military, after which he became part of a troupe that toured South America before returning to France and working at the Moulin Rouge. From there, he gained notice and began receiving roles in films.
Q: What director helped make him popular?
A: Gabin became popular after being in films directed by Julien Duvivier.
Q: What happened during World War II?
A: When Germany occupied France in World War II, Jean Gabin went to the United States where he had a romance with actress Marlene Dietrich but did not have success with his career in Hollywood. He then joined General Charles de Gaulle's Free French Forces and earned the Médaille militaire and Croix de guerre for his wartime service in North Africa.
Q: What film marked an international success for him?
A: The 1954 film Touchez pas au grisbi (Don't Touch the Loot) was a very profitable international success for Jean Gabin.
Q: How many more films did he make after Touchez pas au grisbi?
A: After Touchez pas au grisbi, Jean Gabin made close to 50 more films over the next twenty years.
