Louis de Funès

Louis De Funès (1914-1983) was a hugely popular French comedian and actor. He is still very beloved and world famous in the francophone world and in Continental Europe in general.

De Funès always played the same character: a hyperactive, self important and unsympathetic little man who often threw himself into temper tantrums and made amusing facial expressions. He is best known for his breakthrough role as police officer in Le Gendarme De Saint Tropez (1964) about a local police force in the South of France, which spawned six films in total. English speaking audiences might recognise him as the star opposite Bourvil in the film La Grande Vadrouille (1966) (released as: "Don't Look Now! We're Being Shot At"). Among his most loved films are "Le Corniaud" (1965), "Le Grand Restaurant" (1967), "Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob" (1973) ("The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob") and "L' Aile Ou La Cuisse" (1975) with Coluche.


 * Amusing Injuries
 * Butt Monkey
 * Chewing the Scenery
 * Hollywood Heart Attack: Literally: De Funés was over 60 when he became a movie star and his often energetic performances and stunt work caused him a heart attack in 1976. From then on he had to play physically less demanding roles. He eventually died of a stroke.
 * Jerkass
 * Large Ham: Sometimes De Funés goes seriously over the top!
 * Slapstick
 * Typecasting: De Funés starred in dozens of comedy films and always played the same role.
 * Unstoppable Rage