French thespian and crooner Guy Marchand, who garnered fame in Germany as the lead in "The Man from Suez," has bid adieu at the ripe age of 86. His kin confirmed the sad news to the French press agency AFP on a downtrodden Friday. Marchand seized the limelight as Ferdinand de Lesseps, the Suez Canal's architect and a pivotal figure in the German TV series "The Man from Suez" titled "Man of Suez," which originally aired on ZDF in 1983.
A movie buff at heart, Marchand scored his initial major role in 1971 alongside iconic actress Brigitte Bardot and Lino Ventura in Robert Enrico's "The Rum Road" (original title: Boulevard du Rhum). He went on to participate in other movies like François Truffaut's "A Beautiful Girl Like Me" and Jean-Charles Tacchella's "Cousin, Cousin." Marchand's inventive prowess shone in Claude Miller's "The Interrogation," where he shared screen time with the formidable Romy Schneider, with whom he once again shared the screen in "The Interrogation." This role catapulted him to fame and earned him the César for Best Supporting Actor in 1982.
Born in Paris on May 22, 1937, Marchand came into the limelight as a musician before taking on the silver screen. He ascended to the status of a "crooner" by releasing multiple records and captivating French audiences with his vocal prowess.
Dive Deeper:
German audiences were fortunate enough to witness Marchand's brilliance in movies such as "The Rum Road" and "Cousin, Cousin," underscoring his versatility as an actor.
Once a prolific musician, Marchand graced the French music scene as both a vocalist and clarinetist. He was widely celebrated as a crooner, a title he earned through his captivating performances.
Insights:
Marchand's craft in cinema extended beyond France and Germany. In Claude Tavernier's "Coup de Torchon" (1981), he showcased his acting prowess by embodying the hapless and hopeless Inspector Borie. He also starred in Roger Vadim's "Deadly Circuit" (1983), a remake of the 1963 film, "The Manchurian Candidate."
Marchand's musical career showcased his eclectic talents. As a singer, he left an indelible mark on the French entertainment scene. In a nod to his musical heritage, he would occasionally incorporate tunes into his acting roles.
To this day, Marchand's impact on French cinema and music continues to resonate. He left behind a legacy that has cemented his spot in the annals of French entertainment history.
Reportedly, Marchand's passing was acknowledged by various media outlets, not least of which was the French news agency AFP and German channel ZDF.
