Tony Aboyantz (21 January 1928 – 10 November 1992) was a Soviet Armenian‑born French film director and assistant director. Born in Krasnodar, Russian SFSR, he emigrated to France where he became active in the French cinema industry from the early 1950s through the late 1980s.
Early life and background
- Birth: 21 January 1928, Krasnodar, North Caucasus Krai, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.
- Heritage: Armenian descent; later naturalised French citizen.
Career
Aboyantz began his film career as an assistant director, working with prominent directors such as Max Ophüls, Julien Duvivier, and Jean Girault. He was involved in a wide range of productions spanning drama, comedy, and adventure genres.
Selected credits (assistant director / first assistant director)
- La ronde (1950) – directed by Max Ophüls
- Le Plaisir (1951) – Max Ophüls
- Lola Montès (1955) – Max Ophüls (also credited as assistant producer)
- Marianne of My Youth (1955) – Julien Duvivier
- The Magnificent One (1963) – Bernard Borderie
- Several entries in the popular “Le Gendarme” comedy series, including Le gendarme et les gendarmettes (1982), which he completed after director Jean Girault’s death.
Directorial work
Aboyantz directed at least one feature film, Le gendarme et les gendarmettes (1982). His directorial contributions were largely within the comedy genre and often involved collaborations with established French filmmakers.
Later life and death
- Death: 10 November 1992 in Paris, France, aged 64.
Legacy
Tony Aboyantz is remembered for his extensive work as an assistant director on numerous classic French films of the mid‑20th century, contributing to the production of works by several noted directors and supporting the development of popular French comedy cinema.
