Biography
Jean Gabin, born Jean-Alexis Moncorgé, was a French actor and singer. He was born on 17 May 1904 in Paris and died on 15 November 1976 in Neuilly-sur-Seine. The son of a cabaret entertainer, he began his career in music halls and revue, appearing at the Folies Bergère before entering films in the early 1930s.
Gabin became prominent in the late 1930s with roles including Lieutenant Maréchal in Jean Renoir's Grand Illusion (1937), Jean in Marcel Carné's Port of Shadows (1938) and Lantier in La Bête Humaine (1938). After the Second World War he appeared in numerous films, often scripted by Michel Audiard, such as Touchez Pas au Grisbi (1954), La Traversée de Paris (1956) and The Sicilian Clan (1969). He received the Silver Bear for Best Actor twice and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor, and was made a member of the Légion d'honneur.
