Robert Favart (19 July 1911 – 26 July 2003) was a French actor with a prolific career spanning over six decades in film, television, and theatre. Known for his distinguished demeanor and clear diction, Favart often portrayed sophisticated characters, officials, and aristocratic figures.
Early Life and Career
Born in Nice, France, Robert Favart began his acting career in the 1930s, initially establishing himself in theatre. His stage work laid the foundation for a long and varied career, allowing him to hone his craft before transitioning more prominently into cinema and television.
Film Career
Favart appeared in more than 100 films throughout his career, working with many notable French and international directors. While he frequently played supporting roles, his presence was always distinctive. He often brought an air of authority, elegance, or sometimes even villainy to his characters.
Some of his notable film appearances include:
- Mandrin (1947)
- Les Trois Mousquetaires (1961) – playing the role of Richelieu's guard
- Angélique et le Roy (1966)
- Le Corniaud (1965)
- OSS 117 prend des vacances (1970)
- Le Gendarme en balade (1970)
- Le Magnifique (1973)
- Borsalino & Co. (1974)
- L'Animal (1977)
- Le Coup du parapluie (1980)
Television and Theatre
Beyond cinema, Robert Favart had an extensive career in television, appearing in numerous telefilms and popular series. His presence on the small screen made him a familiar face to generations of French viewers. He also maintained a consistent presence in theatre, returning to the stage throughout his career, reinforcing his versatility and dedication to live performance.
Later Years and Legacy
Favart continued acting well into his later years, remaining active until the late 1990s. He passed away in Paris in 2003, at the age of 92. His lengthy career and diverse filmography make him a notable figure in French acting, particularly recognized for his reliability and consistent portrayal of memorable supporting characters.
Selected Filmography
- 1946: Le Bateau à soupe
- 1947: Mandrin
- 1949: Le Secret de Mayerling
- 1950: La Danse de mort
- 1952: Monsieur Taxi
- 1954: Madame du Barry
- 1955: Napoléon
- 1959: Le Bossu
- 1961: Les Trois Mousquetaires (The Three Musketeers)
- 1965: Le Corniaud (The Sucker)
- 1966: Angélique et le Roy (Angelique and the King)
- 1970: Le Gendarme en balade (The Gendarme Strolls)
- 1973: Le Magnifique (How to Destroy the Reputation of the Greatest Secret Agent)
- 1974: Borsalino & Co.
- 1977: L'Animal (The Animal)
- 1980: Le Coup du parapluie (The Umbrella Coup)
- 1982: Les Misérables
- 1983: L'Été meurtrier (One Deadly Summer)
- 1992: L'Accompagnatrice (The Accompanist)
References
- [Information on Robert Favart from French cinema archives]
- [Database entries for Robert Favart's filmography]