1. Overview
Jean-Paul Roussillon (Jean-Paul RoussillonFrench) was a prominent French actor and theatrical director, whose career spanned from 1952 until 2008. He was a distinguished member of the Comédie-Française for many years, where he contributed significantly as both an actor and a director on stage, performing in a wide range of classical and modern plays. His extensive career also included appearances in over 80 films and television shows, earning him critical acclaim, notably a César Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2008 film A Christmas Tale.
2. Life and Early Career
Jean-Paul Roussillon's life was deeply intertwined with the performing arts from his early days, culminating in a long and impactful career on both the stage and screen.
2.1. Birth and Background
Jean-Paul Roussillon was born on March 5, 1931, in Paris, France. His early life set the foundation for his enduring commitment to the theater and cinema.
2.2. Stage Career and Comédie-Française
Roussillon dedicated a significant portion of his career to the stage, becoming a member of the prestigious Comédie-Française in 1952. During his extensive tenure with the company, he showcased his versatility by performing in a diverse repertoire of theatrical works. His stage roles included classical plays by renowned playwrights such as Molière, Pierre de Marivaux, and Alfred de Musset. Beyond classical works, he also appeared in modern dramas by figures like Jules Renard and André Gide, demonstrating his adaptability and range as an actor and director within the theatrical sphere.
2.3. Transition to Screen
Beginning in 1954, Jean-Paul Roussillon expanded his artistic endeavors to include film and television. His screen debut was in La Chair et le Diable (1954), marking the start of a prolific period where he would appear in a multitude of cinematic and televised productions until 2008.
3. Major Works and Recognition
Throughout his career, Jean-Paul Roussillon's performances in film and television earned him considerable recognition, highlighted by specific roles that garnered critical attention and prestigious awards.
3.1. Notable Film and Television Roles
Among his many screen appearances, several roles stood out for their impact and critical reception. Roussillon starred in the 2003 film Playing 'In the Company of Men, portraying the character Henri Jurrieu. This film achieved international recognition, being screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. Another highly acclaimed performance was his role as Abel, Junon's husband, in the 2008 film A Christmas Tale (original French title: Un conte de Noël). This performance earned him significant critical praise and a major award. Other notable films he appeared in include The Trout (1982), The Idol (2002), Mischka (2002), Kings and Queen (2004), and Black Mor's Island (2004), often lending his distinctive presence to complex characters.
3.2. Awards and Honors
Jean-Paul Roussillon's contributions to cinema were formally recognized with significant accolades. Most notably, he received the César Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Christmas Tale. This award, France's national film award, underscored his esteemed position in the French cinematic landscape.
4. Filmography
Jean-Paul Roussillon appeared in numerous films and television productions during his career. A selection of his film roles includes:
- La Chair et le Diable (1954) - Apo Ancelin
- Deadlier Than the Male (1956) - Amédée
- L'amour descend du ciel (1957) - Jean
- The Fox of Paris (1957) - Francois, Yvonne's Brother
- Le mariage de Figaro (1959) - Grippe-Soleil
- La 1000eme fenêtre (1960) - Boutain
- Weekend at Dunkirk (1964) - La gouape / Blackguard
- Une affaire d'hommes (1981) - Le juge Dauzat
- The Trout (1982) - Verjon
- La guerre des demoiselles (1984) - Le juge
- Outlaws (1985) - Le fermier belliqueux
- Monsieur de Pourceaugnac (1985) - Oronte
- He Died with His Eyes Open (1985) - Léonce
- Elsa, Elsa (1985) - Albert, le producteur
- My Brother-in-Law Killed My Sister (1986) - Somptueux Larbin
- États d'âme (1986) - Arnolli, le syndicaliste
- Twist again à Moscou (1986)
- Les clowns de Dieu (1986) - Garniks
- Hôtel de France (1987) - Jean Trillat
- Maladie d'amour (1987) - Jacques
- Alouette, je te plumerai (1988) - Vergne's friend
- Comédie d'amour (1989) - Henri
- Je t'ai dans la peau (1990) - Bébert, gardien de la Bourse du travail
- Plein fer (1990) - Napoléon
- La fille du magicien (1990) - Nadir
- Le Brasier (1991) - Dalmas
- The Secret of Sarah Tombelaine (1991) - Emile
- Cherokee (1991) - Oncle Fernand
- List of Merite (1992) - Albert Croquebois
- La Fille de l'air (1992) - Raymond
- Revenge of the Musketeers (1994) - Planchet
- Les truffes (1995) - Le vigneron
- Oui (1995) - Monsieur Arthur
- Drancy Avenir (1997) - La voix de l'explorateur (voice)
- On connaît la chanson (1997) - Father
- Le plus beau pays du monde (1999) - Le directeur du théâtre
- Une hirondelle a fait le printemps (2001) - Jean
- Mischka (2002) - Mischka
- L'idole (2002) - Roger Castellac
- Playing 'In the Company of Men (2003) - Henri Jurrieu
- Black Mor's Island (2004) - Mac Gregor (voice)
- Kings and Queen (2004) - Abel Vuillard
- Zone libre (2007) - Maury
- A Christmas Tale (2008) - Abel - Junon's husband
5. Death
Jean-Paul Roussillon passed away on July 31, 2009, at the age of 78. He died in Auxerre, located in the Bourgogne region of France. For several years prior to his death, Roussillon had been battling lung cancer, which was the cause of his passing.