Bourvil

André Bourvil
André Bourvil in 1967
Born	(1917-07-27)27 July 1917 Prétot-Vicquemare, France
Died	23 September 1970(1970-09-23) (aged 53) Paris, France
Nationality	French
Occupation	actor, comedian
Years active	1941–1970
Spouse(s)	Jeanne Lefrique (1943–1970)

André Bourvil, born André Robert Raimbourg (French pronunciation: ​[ɑ̃dʁe buʁˈvil]; 27 July 1917, Prétot-Vicquemare, France – 23 September 1970, Paris), often known mononymously as Bourvil, was a French actor and singer best known for his roles in comedy films, most notably in his collaboration with Louis de Funès in the films Le Corniaud (1965) and La Grande Vadrouille (1966). For his performance in Le Corniaud, he won a Special Diploma at the 4th Moscow International Film Festival.

His father was killed in the First World War before Bourvil was born. As a result, he spent his entire childhood in the village of Bourville, the name of which inspired his stage name. He married Jeanne Lefrique on 23 January 1943. After a battle with Kahler's syndrome, which attacks the bone marrow, he died at the age of 53. He is buried in Montainville, Yvelines.

In his comic performances Bourvil principally played roles of gentle and well-meaning characters who were often a bit obtuse or naive, such as his roles opposite the hyperactive, dishonest and bossy ones played by Louis de Funès. Bourvil's characters not only managed to make viewers laugh, but also to save themselves, often unwittingly, from the Machiavellian designs of his adversaries.

Bourvil was, however, also capable of more dramatic roles such as the handyman in L'Arbre de Noël (1969). In this role he observes the relationship between a man he works for and the young son who has fallen ill. The audience can identify with the character played by Bourvil, just as they can in his comic roles, so often as a simple man. One can also note his role of Thénardier in the film adaptation of Les Misérables (1958), and his last role as the policeman Mattei in Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Cercle rouge (1970).