Date of Birth: May 17, 1904
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: November 15, 1976
Biography
Jean Gabin, born Jean-Alexis Moncorgé, was a prominent French actor and singer, renowned for his roles in classic French cinema. Born in Paris on May 17, 1904, Gabin began his career in the 1920s in musical revues and operettas. He transitioned to film in the early 1930s, quickly establishing himself as a leading man with his rugged good looks and compelling screen presence. Gabin’s breakthrough came with the 1937 film “Pépé le Moko,” where he played a charismatic gangster hiding out in the Casbah of Algiers. This role solidified his status as a star and led to further success in films such as “La Grande Illusion” (1937) and “Le Quai des Brumes” (1938). His portrayal of complex, often melancholic characters resonated deeply with audiences. During World War II, Gabin moved to Hollywood, where he appeared in a few films but eventually returned to France. Post-war, he continued to deliver powerful performances in films like “Touchez pas au Grisbi” (1954) and “Le Clan des Siciliens” (1969). Gabin’s career spanned over five decades, and he worked with some of the most acclaimed directors of his time. Jean Gabin passed away on November 15, 1976, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic figures in French cinema.
5 Interesting Facts about Jean Gabin
1. Jean Gabin served in the Free French Forces during World War II and was awarded the Médaille Militaire and the Croix de Guerre for his bravery.
2. He initially worked as a laborer and a cabaret singer before finding fame in cinema.
3. Gabin was married three times and had relationships with several notable actresses, including Marlene Dietrich.
4. Despite his tough on-screen persona, Gabin was known to be quite reserved and private in his personal life.
5. He was buried in the Montmartre Cemetery in Paris, where his grave remains a site of pilgrimage for fans.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean Gabin
1. “To be an actor, you have to be a child.”
2. “I’ve always preferred animals to little boys.”
3. “I was born at the age of twelve on the stage. That’s why I’m so young.”
4. “You can’t always be a leading man.”
5. “Cinema is a matter of what’s in the frame and what’s out.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Jean Gabin’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the peak of his career.
Children
Jean Gabin had three children: Florence Moncorgé-Gabin, Valérie Gabin, and Mathias Moncorgé.
Relevant Links
1. [Jean Gabin on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001244/
2. [Jean Gabin’s Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Gabin
3. [Jean Gabin’s Filmography on AllMovie](https://www.allmovie.com/artist/jean-gabin-p25696
4. [Jean Gabin on Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jean_gabin
5. [Jean Gabin’s Grave on Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21414/jean-gabin
