Philippe Noiret
FranceBiography of Philippe Noiret
Philippe Noiret was born in the city of Lille, France, into a wealthy family. His father was a commercial director of a major company. Despite his parents' objections, Philippe Noiret moved to Paris and began studying at the Dramatic Courses. He started his acting career at the National People's Theater (TNP), where he was invited by director Jean Vilar. During his time there, he shared the stage with renowned actors such as Gérard Philipe, Maria Casarès, and Georges Wilson. Noiret played various roles in costume productions, including "Cid," "Lorenzaccio," "Mary Tudor," and "Richard III." He also performed in the cabaret "Voclus" with his friend Jean-Pierre Darras.
In 1956, photographer turned director Agnès Varda noticed Noiret's acting talent and cast him in his debut film "La Pointe Courte." However, it was after his role in Louis Malle's film "Zazie in the Metro" (1960) that Noiret's acting abilities were truly recognized. He was then invited by master of French cinema René Clément to star in his film "All the Gold in the World" (1961).
Notable Career
Philippe Noiret's most significant acting works were created in the 1970s and 1980s, playing a variety of characters including aristocrats and corrupt police officers. He had a wide range and achieved success in both dramatic films and comedies. Some of the notable films featuring Noiret include Yves Robert's comedy "Fortunate Alexander," R. Enrico's drama "The Old Gun" in which he played Doctor Dandieu, the romantic dramas "The Old Maid" and "The African" by Philippe de Broca, Eduardo Molinaro's police film "The Most Gentle Confessions," Marco Ferreri's controversial film "The Big Feast," Giuseppe Tornatore's drama "Cinema Paradiso," and the comedies "The Tender Policeman," "Jupiter's Thigh," and "Shawnees."
However, his collaboration with director Bertrand Tavernier stands out in his career, as Tavernier was able to fully showcase Noiret's exceptional talent. Noiret appeared in several of Tavernier's films, including "The Clockmaker of St. Paul," "The Judge and the Assassin," "Let Joy Reign Supreme," "A Week's Vacation," "Clean Slate," and "Life and Nothing But." Among Noiret's numerous film awards, he won two César Awards for his roles in "The Old Gun" and "Life and Nothing But."
Filmography
1. Life in the Castle - 1965 (Drama)
2. Topaz - 1969 (Thriller)
3. The Eagle Has Landed - 1980 (Detective)
4. Fort Saganne - 1983 (Drama)
5. Open Season - 1984 (Comedy)
6. Next Summer - 1985 (Drama)
