Jean-Pierre Aumont French actor Date of Birth: 05.01.1911 Country: France

1. Early Life and Career
2. Theatrical Debut and Rise to Fame
3. WWII and Resistance
4. Hollywood and War Service
5. Post-War Career
6. Broadway and Later Projects
7. Personal Life and Awards
8. Demise and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Jean-Pierre Aumont was born in Paris, France on January 5, 1911. His mother, Suzanne Caheen, was an actress, and his uncle, Georges Berr, was a renowned actor. Aumont's family came from Jewish ancestry, with his father's family being Dutch and his mother's family being French.

Theatrical Debut and Rise to Fame

At the age of 16, Aumont enrolled in the Paris Conservatory to study dramatic art. He made his professional acting debut at 21 and his film debut the following year in "Jean and la Lune." His breakthrough role came in Jean Cocteau's "The Infernal Machine," which propelled his career on both stage and screen.

WWII and Resistance

With the outbreak of World War II, Aumont remained in France until 1942 when he was forced to flee due to his Jewish heritage. He first relocated to the free zone of Vichy, then to New York City, and finally to Hollywood.

Hollywood and War Service

In Hollywood, Aumont's acting career flourished. He initially worked with MGM but eventually returned to France to join the Liberation movement. He fought in North Africa, participating in Operation Torch in Tunisia, and later fought his way through Italy and France with the Allied forces.

Post-War Career

After the war, Aumont resumed his acting career, notably playing the role of a magician in "Lili." He is perhaps best remembered by Americans for his portrayal of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in "Song of Scheherazade."

Broadway and Later Projects

In the 1950s, Aumont appeared as a guest on the television show "What's My Line?" He also starred in various Broadway productions in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Gigi." One of his final performances was in "A Tale of Two Cities" in 1989.

Personal Life and Awards

Aumont married Dominican actress Maria Montez in Hollywood. After her tragic drowning in 1951, he married Italian actress Marisa Pavan. Aumont was honored with the Legion of Honor, the Croix de Guerre, and the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. He received a Cesar Award in 1992.

Demise and Legacy

Jean-Pierre Aumont passed away on January 30, 2001, at the age of 90, due to a heart attack. His body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea. Aumont is remembered as a talented actor who served his country with honor and made a significant contribution to the entertainment world.