Fernandel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernandel
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Fernandel in 1970
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| Born |
Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin
8 May 1903 Carry-le-Rouet, France
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| Died | 26 February 1971 (aged 67) Paris, France
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| Occupation | Actor, Film director, singer, comedian |
| Years active | 1908–1970 |
| Spouse(s) |
Henriette-Félicie Manse
(m. 1925) |
Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (born May 8, 1903 – died February 26, 1971) was a very popular French actor and singer. Most people knew him by his stage name, Fernandel. He was born near Marseille, France. His family came from a town called Perosa Argentina in Italy.
Fernandel became a big comedy star. He first got famous in French shows like vaudeville, operettas, and music-hall revues. His stage name, Fernandel, came from his wife, Henriette Manse. She was the sister of his best friend, Jean Manse. Fernandel was so devoted to his wife that her mother jokingly called him Fernand d'elle, which means "Fernand of her." This funny nickname became his famous stage name!
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Becoming a Star
Fernandel started acting in movies in 1930. For over 40 years, he was France's top comic actor. He was especially loved for playing a grumpy Italian village priest named Don Camillo. This character was always arguing with the town's Communist mayor in a series of popular movies.
His unique horse-like teeth became part of his famous look. People recognized him instantly because of them.
Fernandel also acted in films made in Italy and America. His first movie in Hollywood was Around the World in 80 Days in 1956. In this film, he played the coachman for the main character, played by David Niven. His funny performance in that movie led him to star with Bob Hope and Anita Ekberg in the 1958 comedy Paris Holiday.
Besides acting, Fernandel also directed some of his own films. In the 1960s, he became even more well-known in Britain. He appeared in TV commercials for a drink called Dubonnet, where he would say, "Do 'Ave A Dubonnet" in a funny accent.
Fernandel passed away from lung cancer on February 26, 1971. He is buried in the Cimetière de Passy in Paris, France.
Family Life
Fernandel had a lovely family. He had two daughters, Josette, born in 1926, and Janine, born in 1930. He also had a son named Franck, born in 1935.
His son, Franck Fernandel, followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor and a singer too. Franck even acted alongside his famous father in two movies: L'Âge ingrat and En avant la musique.
His Music
Fernandel was also a singer! One of his most famous songs was "Félicie aussi", which he released in 1939.
See also
In Spanish: Fernandel para niños
