Fernandel
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Notes
His stage name "Fernandel" supposedly came from the nickname his wife's family gave him--"le Fernand d'Elle" (her Fernand)--when he was first courting her.
Member of the Legion of Honor, described in the citation as a "merchant of happiness".
Biography
Popular, prolific long-faced French comedian with an enormous, horsey grin who, through the expressive use of his hands, homely face and voice, became one of the most beloved film stars in France and appeared, often as innocent peasant characters, in almost 150 films. Although he first gained screen popularity with a serious role in Bernard Deschamps's "Le Rosier de Madame Husson" (1932), Fernandel was best known for his numerous comic portrayals, especially as the title character, an irascible Italian village priest, in the "Don Camillo" series.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Life Events
1922
Professional debut
1928
Paris revue debut as comedy singer at Concert Mayol
1930
Film acting debut, "Le Blanc et le Noir"
1932
Breakthrough role in "Le Rosier de Madame Husson/Mrs. Husson's Rosebush"
1968
Made a successful North American tour as a singer, culminating with a recital at Carnegie Hall
Videos
Movie Clip
Trailer
Family
Companions
Bibliography
Notes
His stage name "Fernandel" supposedly came from the nickname his wife's family gave him--"le Fernand d'Elle" (her Fernand)--when he was first courting her.
Member of the Legion of Honor, described in the citation as a "merchant of happiness".
