Louis Jouvet

French director, theater and film actor.

Date of Birth: 24.12.1887
Country:

France

Content:

Louis Jouvet: A Life Dedicated to Theater and Film

Early Life and Education

- Born in Brittany, Louis Jouvet's childhood was marked by the loss of his father at age 14.

- Raised by his pharmacist uncle in the Ardennes, he pursued a degree in pharmacy in Paris in 1904.

- However, his passion for theater lured him away from his studies, despite failing the Conservatoire entrance exam thrice.

- In 1913, Jouvet joined Jacques Copeau's Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier alongside his friend Charles Dullin.

- Despite his stutter, he became a skilled actor, director, and designer within the troupe.

Post-War Success and Collaborations
- In 1922, Jouvet began directing at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

- His 1923 production of Jules Romains' "Knock, or the Triumph of Medicine" was a resounding success.

- In 1927, he began a long collaboration with playwright Jean Giraudoux.

- On July 6, 1927, Jouvet, Gaston Baty, Charles Dullin, and Georges Pitoëff formed the "Cartel des Quatre."

- This directorial quartet aimed to revitalize theater by showcasing contemporary playwrights and poetic performances.

- Jean Anouilh served as Jouvet's personal secretary from 1930 to 1932.

- From 1935 onwards, Jouvet directed at the Théâtre de l'Athénée, which now bears his name.

- In 1941, he left occupied France with his troupe and toured through Latin America until 1944.

- In 1950, Jouvet was awarded the Legion of Honour.
- In 1951, he directed Sartre's play "The Devil and the Good Lord."

- He supported the innovative work of Jean-Louis Barrault and Jean Vilar.

- Jouvet died of a heart attack while rehearsing Graham Greene's "The Power and the Glory."

- Jouvet also appeared in 32 films, collaborating with directors like Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jean Renoir, and Marcel Carné.

Director

Barry Levinson	David Dobkin	Hans Weingartner
Massimo Troisi	Jacobo Morales	Sandy Collora