Christian Marquand facts for kids

Christian Henri Marquand (born March 15, 1927 – died November 22, 2000) was a French actor. He was known for his many roles in movies, both in France and internationally. He also directed a few films during his career.

Early Life

Christian Marquand was born in Marseille, a city in France. His father was from Spain and his mother was from an Arab background. He grew up with his brother, Serge Marquand, who also became an actor. His sister, Nadine Trintignant, became a filmmaker.

A Career in Film

Christian Marquand started acting in movies in 1946. His very first role was a small part in the famous French film Beauty and the Beast. After this, he slowly got bigger roles.

He appeared in movies like Lucrèce Borgia (1953) and Senso (1954). These roles helped him become more recognized.

Becoming a Star

In 1956, Christian Marquand starred in the movie And God Created Woman. He acted alongside the famous actress Brigitte Bardot. This movie was a big hit and made him a well-known actor.

Because of this success, he got leading roles in many other films. He worked with popular actresses like Maria Schell, Jean Seberg, and Annie Girardot. Some of these movies include No Sun in Venice (1957) and Temptation (1959).

International Roles

Christian Marquand also acted in big international movies. In 1962, he played a French commando leader named Philippe Kieffer in the World War II film The Longest Day. This movie was very popular and led to more roles in films made outside of France.

He appeared in movies like Behold a Pale Horse (1964), Lord Jim (1965), and The Flight of the Phoenix (1965).

Later Career and Directing

Throughout the 1970s, Marquand continued to act in films and on television. One of his notable later roles was in the re-edited version of the Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now Redux (1979/2001). His last acting job was in a French TV mini-series in 1987.

Besides acting, Christian Marquand also directed two films. These were Les Grands Chemins (1963) and Candy (1968).

Personal Life

Christian Marquand was married to actress Tina Aumont from 1963 to 1966. He had a son named Yann, who was born in 1972.

He was also a very close friend of the famous American actor Marlon Brando. Marlon Brando even named his own son after Christian Marquand. Another director, Roger Vadim, also named his son after him.

Later Years and Death

In 1985, Christian Marquand was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This illness affects the brain and memory. He stopped acting two years later because of his health. He passed away on November 22, 2000, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Selected Filmography