GERARD DEPARDIEU

(b. 1948)

French actor. Acted in films: "Going Places", "The Last Metro" (Prize "Cesar") "Danton," "Camille Claudel", "Cyrano de Bergerac" (Prize "Cesar"), "My American "Uncle," "Green Card", "Bogus", "Iron Mask," "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Napoleon", etc.

Gerard Depardieu was born in Chateauroux December 27, 1948 The father, Rene, was a laborer and drank a lot, his mother, Alice, often giving birth (all in the family of six children). Parents are endlessly argued and reconciled. As a child, Gerard stuttered, but eventually from this speech, he will get rid of the defect.

In Châteauroux located NATO base. Gérard it occupies shallow speculation flourished thanks to his eloquence. He sold whiskey and cigarettes. "In the thirteen years which I just did not drink - recalls the actor - vodka, whiskey, red, white, pink wine . . . Stood on the lookout, but the thefts were small . . . This was my world, and so he stayed. I was a big family street. I still belong to her. Childhood keep you long in his power, and it is something that you are better.

Bored in Châteauroux, Depardieu goes to hitch-hike. He falls to the south, which serves the beach vacationers. Then, portraying a blind man selling soap. Returning home, Gerard, at the insistence of his mother, is to learn from the printer. One day, after another binge, being in a coma in hospital, he heard from the doctor that if not stopped drinking, then disappear. A friend persuades Depardieu with him to go to Paris to study there for the actor.

Entering in 1965, first courses Dyulena at the National People′s Theater, Gerard for some time worked under the guidance of a teacher Arno, and then spent nine months in a private school, Jean-Louis Cochet. Depardieu cleaned the room, put the scenery in educational performances and for this exempt from tuition fees. Cochet said phenomenal memory of sixteen guy, his natural artistry.

New Gerard Depardieu starred in the 1965 film Roger Leenhardt about beatniks, then began working on television.

While still a student, Gérard Depardieu has successfully played in several productions. In 1968 he appeared in educational theater. Among his other very successful appearances on the stage - a play Frisdeya "Deceived Girl" (1970), and a few months he has played with Natalie Bai and Bernard Blier in "Galapagos".

In 1970 he married Elisabeth Depardieu Gino, who was his senior by six years. She graduated from the Psychology Department, University of Paris and some time attended courses Cochet. "As soon as I have just started work in earnest, I immediately started a family. I wanted a woman who could help me, this woman became my wife, "- said Gerard. The family born son William and daughter Julie.

Depardieu is involved in the formulation of Claude Régis "Saved. " Director introduces him to the Stanislavski system, introduced on Wednesday, the Paris intelligentsia, nutty existentialism.

Photo — «Gerard Depardieu»

It brought Régis Depardieu with a known writer and filmmaker Marguerite Duras. In her film "Nathalie Granger" (1973) Depardieu successfully played a big role salesman. Following this, he would withdraw from Duras in the tape "Ganzha Wife" (1974), "Baxter, Vera Baxter (1977)," Truck "(1977).

Depardieu some time working in the avant-garde theater "Cafe de la Gare" ( "Café at the station"), which then were coming celebrity Dewaere, Miou-Miou, Coluche, Ryufyus and others. Especially approaches it with Patrick Dewaere. With him, and Miou-Miou Depardieu starred in 1973 in a controversial film by Bertrand Blier "Going Places". The film is about a few months in the lives of two friends from the suburbs of Toulouse. Your role Gerard Depardieu has said during the filming: "This is a great role. I immediately went into it completely, playing a guy who does not want to live boring. He was hunting to learn as much as possible emotions and live with the speed of a hundred kilometers per hour. But in order to satisfy such a thirst, it is necessary to violate the laws and break the taboo by society. "

Reviews of the film were contradictory. Old critic Jean de Baronseli wrote in the evening daily Le Monde: "To say what the film required the actors, Gerard Depardieu, in particular. The natural power of this husky with a broken nose, pronounced on the screen. He knows at a glance, a gesture to express the fragility of the character of Jean-Claude.

After the "Going Places" Depardieu generously offered the role of sympathetic scum. But he did not want to become an actor have the same position. So Gerard is a young boxer in the film Sote "Vincent, Francois, Paul and others" (1974), the leader of the Italian peasants in "1900" ( "Twentieth Century") (1975) Bertolucci, an unemployed engineer in the "last woman" (1975) Ferreri, physician Berg, hunted the medical mafia, Ruffo in the movie "Seven deaths in one recipe" (1975).

Depardieu met with director André Téchiné. In his film "Baroque" (1976) Gérard has created two different male character - weak-willed loser and a sinister killer. The action takes place against a background of romantic love. Gerard was a harmonious duet with rising star of French cinema Isabelle Adjani.

In the late 1970′s successful Depardieu starred in the films "Tell her I love her" (1978), "Sugar" (1979) Ruffo (for roles in these films Depardieu was nominated for "César"), and also won an Oscar film "Prepare Handkerchiefs" (1979) by Bertrand Blier.

Gerard is now snapped. Elizabeth took care of all the child-rearing and maintaining a home in Bougival, where they settled. Depardieu can fully devote favorite work.

Maurice Pialat makes it very different but interesting role - "Pola" (1980), where he plays a "nice" bastard, appealing for a woman from a bourgeois environment their manhood, and which he throws for his streamlined way of life and her husband, then in picture "Police" (1985), where the hero Depardieu, an honest police officer becomes a victim of love to a prostitute, drug addict.

Photo — «Gerard Depardieu»

"Nobody knows what a talent, but perhaps I have it really is, - argues Gerard Depardieu. - At least I am sure: the man with the talent to live much more interesting, unbanal. I still look at things from the perspective of naughty, curious child who always eavesdropping and spying. In my understanding, talent - just the ability to spy and eavesdrop . . . "

In 1980 he published a picture Alain Rene "My American Uncle. Depardieu created the image of the frightened, pathetic young engineer, Jean, to the same out of hand by the wife. "The main thing - said Depardieu - was to be not so much a natural as credible. There is nothing more difficult than to play the role of stress is going through a guy does not appear as such. Play these everyday heroes - for me the hardest. "

Gradually rotates in the direction of Gerard Depardieu copyright psychological cinema. Francois Truffaut, he starred in "The Last Metro" (1980) and "neighbor" (1981).

The film "The Last Metro" has received several "César". Depardieu has played in its role of a young actor Bernard Granger, in love with an actress whose Marion Steiner (Catherine Deneuve). As Paul wrote the joke in his book about Depardieu, "the electric current coming from Catherine to Gerard, Truffaut made a film one of the best from him. " Is no accident for this role, Depardieu received his first "Cesar". Finally, critics have recognized the outstanding talent of the actor.

Catherine Deneuve said of his partner a lot of warm words: "Gerard Depardieu - the very dignity at work. He always smooth mood, it helps not only partners, but also the technical staff. He likes to take risks. Granger is very similar to Gerard. "

Their relationship with Catherine Deneuve will be fastened in the films "I Love You" (1980), "Choice of Weapons" (1981), "Fort Sagan" (1984).

Polish director Andrzej Wajda told me that he first saw Depardieu in the theater and thought: that′s an actor, with whom he must work. "I′ve met many actors movies, but never felt so badly for this, - said Weida. - From bad actor can make a good actor. Theater - is always a good test for truth. Hearing how Depardieu twenty minutes reading a monologue, I thought: with such an actor I would be interested in working. He played in the play by Peter Handke "unreasonable people are facing destruction. " I began to think about what role could offer him, and said: "I can offer you the best - the role of Danton. " And Gerard has played well this figure of the French Revolution.

"There are two Depardieu - the actor says about themselves. - One artist, and another - an ordinary man. The images that I created on the screen, are somewhere in between. Interesting that I feel least comfortable when I have to play characters close to my nature, for example, Danton.

Friendship Depardieu with screenwriter and director Francis Veber and actor Pierre Richard gives a vivid comedy "unlucky" (1982), "Father (1983) and" Runaways "(1986).

Photo — «Gerard Depardieu»

Only the departure of the U. S. Weber breaks a commonwealth, which promised so much for the development of comedy in France.

In 1984, Depardieu received a proposal theater director Jacques Lassalle participate in the production of Moliere′s famous play "Tartuffe". At the scene of the Strasbourg National Theater Gerard played not only an impostor, deceiving his benefactor, and seeks to seduce his wife. He is handsome, eloquent, and may well inspire Elmira. It is romantic in the guise of a champion of the "high morals".

Depardieu suffered a performance on film. In the finished painting, he was listed as a director. "I wanted to - said Gerard, - with the help of the film to enter the scene. Few in the spirit of Bergman, where he was filming "The Magic Flute. " I wanted to make a film about the actor, the actors who play the play. "

In 1985, Depardieu takes part in the musical vaudeville singer Barbara′s "Lily - my passion. " This is the story of the famous singer, which has many admirers (among them David - Depardieu). The play, in which Gerard played two songs, a huge success. Until the summer of 1986 Depardieu, along with Barbara toured France, Switzerland, Belgium, before returning to the cinema.

In philosophical parable Pialat "Under the Sun of Satan" (1987) Depardieu portrays the abbot Donissana in his encounter with a devil′s temptation. Gerard continues to be removed from Bertrand Blier - brilliantly played the role of homosexual procuring well-meaning family man in "full fig" (1988).

"Whatever I did, I do with pleasure," - says Depardieu. He likes to quote Auguste Rodin, whose image is embodied in the film "Camille Claudel" (1988) Bruno Nyuttena: "Humanity will not be happy until people feel the artists in the soul. We Depardieu no screen image. He may have the same artistic brilliance and impeccable reliability play a recidivist, and tormented by remorse of a village priest, simple Italian peasant and treacherous, loathsome Tartuffe.

In "Camille Claudel" Gerard Depardieu and Isabelle Adjani played lovers, but torture each other people.

In 1989, Depardieu, after much deliberation agrees to play the beloved hero of French literature Cyrano de Bergerac. Gerard was not used to read heroic verse, he had to learn it. But as he talked about him directed by Jean-Paul Rapp, possessing amazing instinct, the actor quickly grabbed something that aspired director. And Gerard Depardieu said: "I am proud that the Frenchman, when watching" Cyrano. "The film bears the imprint of that love of its creators, infects its romantic fervor. "

"Cyrano de Bergerac" was released French 28 March 1990. Criticism is not stingy with compliments. The film received eight "César", the United States won the prize of the New York Film Critics, Golden Globe and was confident the lead among the nominees for the Oscar. Over the past decade Depardieu starred in almost twenty films, and none of them was not personally for him a failure.

Photo — «Gerard Depardieu»

The French declared it the best actor of 1980. Everything was turning the best possible way, he quietly went to appear in a new film directed by Gerard Losier "My father - a hero. " But then suddenly burst into a scandal.

Officer magazine Neyshnl eskvayer "sought an interview in 1978, Depardieu has given the magazine" Film Comment. " Gerard, recalling his difficult childhood, noted that nine years took part in the rape of a girl.

Following the publication of scandalous phrase "from an old interview in the American press headlines appear like -" Former rapist can not be awarded an Oscar. Depardieu vainly protested their innocence, that his word is not interpreted. The best actor was found Irons, as the best foreign film - "Journey of Hope. "

Immediately after the painting "My father - a hero" Lozier Depardieu starts picture Alain Corneau "All morning the world" on the novel by Pascal Kinyara. Gerard likes to play historical characters. Only very important not to try to resemble them in appearance, not to create "a historically accurate way," - notes the actor.

The film "All the morning the World" tells about the life of famous musician Marin Marais, who lived at the turn of the XVI and XVII centuries, the artist is the viola de gamba (the young musician played the son of Gerard Depardieu - Guillaume).

In 1990, Depardieu went to Peter Uiru, filming "Green Card" ( "Residence Permit"). Scenario interested Gerard life situations. His hero, a young French composer, to obtain a residence permit in America, forced to enter into a bogus marriage with a young and attractive, but terribly practical woman (Andy McDowell). However, he soon realizes that he needs it, rather than a "green card".

The film was a resounding success. French accent Depardieu, captivated his old admirers. He played the romantic and enthusiastic nature of the artist, profitable shading practicality of a young woman. New York critics awarded him the Golden Globe.

In 1996, another American director Jewison took Gerard in a fantastic comedy "Bogus", together with the famous Negro Whoopi Goldberg. This family picture is also a great success with the audience.

Depardieu was promoted to the rank of knight of the Legion of Honor. The award was presented by actor, President Chirac.

Gerard more time gave winemaking. Always fond of wine, its first step on this field he made first the 1990′s, bought an estate in Anjou "Tigne. 50 hectares of vineyards every year give him 250 thousand bottles of white, red and rose wine, now they are sold around the world, in all restaurants Network "Planet Hollywood".

Interestingly, while he clearly has to give preference to Suit films adaptation. In the painting American director Randall Wallace′s "Man in the Iron Mask" Depardieu played the role of Porthos. This was followed by another band on the novel by Dumas - The Count of Monte Cristo, where he appeared in the form of four decades of Edmond Dantes, that is the avenger, and the young Dantes, that is the victim of meanness, played by his son, Guillaume.

Photo — «Gerard Depardieu»

"My interests - says Gerard - mostly human, but not material.

Fascinated by Indian filmmaker Satyadzhitom Ray, Depardieu is involved in the production of one of his films. Intrigued by the works of British actor and director Kenneth Branagh, he buys the right to video and he duplicated his "Henry V". Big fan art John Cassavetes, Gerard organizes retrospective in France of the Hollywood director and finance film projects of his son, Nick.

Gerard Depardieu has become a shareholder, Hachette Premier. His own film company, DD Prodyuson acquired a mansion in the style of the Directory in Paris.

Depardieu works on all fronts. He loves speed. His favorite means of transportation - a powerful motorbike. The appearance in public in a drunken state becomes a norm. May 18, 1998 Depardieu near Paris had an accident. Actor escaped with fractures to the femur and knee injury. The police reported that he was on the verge of death. Before going to the shooting the most expensive in the history of French cinema film "Asterix", Gerard drank 12 glasses of wine! But the way he lost control of his motorcycle skidded. Depardieu spent in the hospital for several weeks.

Alas, he parted from his wife. This happened after Elizabeth found in the pocket of his trousers piece, filled with childish letters: "Dear Dad, Mom said that you are familiar with Santa Claus. Please ask him for me to fawn. Your Roxana.

Gerard admitted that several years met with a black fashion model Karen Power, they had growing up the daughter Roxana. True, they had parted, as Karin fell in love with the actor Vance Perez.

Elizabeth had endured her husband′s infidelity for the sake of children. Now the children have grown. Julie Depardieu graduated as a psychology faculty. But refusing to take an acting career. Guillaume also played in movies and on television.

After her divorce from Elizabeth′s fate once again brought Depardieu in one of the most beautiful women in Paris - Carole Bouquet. She left her husband and with her son moved in with Gerard.

Gerard Depardieu was not enough for three to five films a year, television series, beating records of popularity, producing, oil trade, production Anjou wine. To find another way out of its energy, Gerard Depardieu, after thirteen years absence reappeared. Parisian theatergoers saw their pet in a historical drama by Jacques Attali, "The Gates of Heaven. " Great Depardieu played a great Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

In 2000, Gerard undertook an ambitious project. Kenneth Branagh in the role of Russia′s Tsar Alexander I, Christian Clavier as Napoleon, John Malkovich - Talleyrand and the beautiful Isabella Rossellini - Josephine - a star of the meeting in four-part TV film "Napoleon", the work of Italian, French and Spanish state television. Agreement signed on its filming in Rome, RAI-TV (Italian radio and) Gerard Depardieu.

The very famous Frenchman and author of the project played in the new television series about the life of "the great Corsican, Joseph Fouche, three times under Napoleon occupied the post of Minister of Police.

Photo — «Gerard Depardieu»

Depardieu no regrets that he did not perform a major role in the film: "I′m not in the right figure - laugh off artist. And adds. - I and so all the time I will feel the presence of Napoleon on the set, and then "play" in the role of Julius Caesar in a new television movie, also in conjunction with the RAI.

But what characteristics he Depardieu gives the hero the film: "Napoleon was the embodiment of energy and genius of the family and the passion, luxury and simplicity, wealth and poverty, a soldier and general, conqueror of women, and they themselves subdued. This was the very history and tragedy. " It is not without humility Gerard said that with Napoleon it bring together these qualities, he is not stupid, not cold, and his soul is "Mediterranean spirit, but not tragic. "

Actor explains why he decided to create an image of the Emperor of the French is on television. "Cinema today is sick. We should not build illusions that he has strong positions. And in France a difficult situation: in the year produced 200 paintings, rolled up to reach 80, and you can not say that the success they achieved. Movies today are doing on television. But this does not mean that I refuse to fight for the big screen.

Restless Frenchman was withdrawn in Rome in Ettore Scola film "Unfair competition" modest Gerard goes on a request to talk about his audience with the Pope: "Faith and religion - it′s my private life, but because I prefer not to talk about them. "

Excessive consumption of nicotine, bulimia, obesity, coupled with alcoholism - all this almost led to a tragic outcome. After examination Depardieu had surgery on coronary artery bypass surgery. It lasted six hours and was successful. Wake-up call prompted Gerard to time to reset the rate, but only for a time.

Gerard Depardieu - a passionate admirer of the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. In Naples Theater San Carlo, he proceeds to rehearse Stravinsky′s opera-oratorio "Oedipus Rex" on the texts of Jacques Cocteau. Earlier Depardieu has already participated in a musical fairy tale "The history of the soldier" by Stravinsky, along with his son and companion Carole Bouquet.

"It is unlikely that I will be able to explain what I like the kind of role - spoke about their preferences, Gérard Depardieu. - It makes intuitive sense: and here is the image for you, darling. Nobody would have never thought to ask Mozart′s why he wrote this particular music. I do not have any methods of the game. When I′m hungry - I eat, when thirsty - drink, but do not go contrary to the wishes. In his characters did not specifically looking for. Just step inside them. How Belmondo or Gabin.