Movies
French actor Philippe Noiret dies aged 76
Published Friday, Nov 24 2006, 11:30 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones
Renowned French actor Philippe Noiret passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. He was reportedly battling cancer, but the exact circumstances of his death are unknown.
Noiret is best know amongst English-speaking audiences for his lead role in Cinema Paradiso, for which he won widespread international acclaim and a BAFTA for his portrayal of projectionist Alfredo. Other prominent performances were in the acclaimed drama Il Postino and Alfred Hitchcock's Topaz.
During his career, Noiret appeared in at least 125 movies and collected two Cesars - the French equivalent of Oscars - for Best Actor for Le Vieux Fusil in 1976 and La Vie Et Rien D'Autre in 1990. He recently made his last acting appearance in the film 3 amis, which is due for release next year.
The French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin paid tribute to the actor yesterday: "Through his voice, his allure, his panache, Philippe Noiret knew how to seize and express something within the French soul. The silhouette and the voice, so tender and familiar, will be missed by all."
He is survived by his actress wife Monique Chaumette and his daughter Frederique.
Noiret is best know amongst English-speaking audiences for his lead role in Cinema Paradiso, for which he won widespread international acclaim and a BAFTA for his portrayal of projectionist Alfredo. Other prominent performances were in the acclaimed drama Il Postino and Alfred Hitchcock's Topaz.
During his career, Noiret appeared in at least 125 movies and collected two Cesars - the French equivalent of Oscars - for Best Actor for Le Vieux Fusil in 1976 and La Vie Et Rien D'Autre in 1990. He recently made his last acting appearance in the film 3 amis, which is due for release next year.
The French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin paid tribute to the actor yesterday: "Through his voice, his allure, his panache, Philippe Noiret knew how to seize and express something within the French soul. The silhouette and the voice, so tender and familiar, will be missed by all."
He is survived by his actress wife Monique Chaumette and his daughter Frederique.
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