Jean Renoir

Date of Birth: September 15, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: February 12, 1979

Biography

Jean Renoir was a seminal French film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, and author, known for his significant contributions to world cinema. Born on September 15, 1894, in Paris, France, Jean was the second son of the renowned Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He grew up in an artistic environment, which deeply influenced his creative pursuits. Renoir initially served in the French army during World War I, where he was wounded in the leg. During his recovery, he developed an interest in filmmaking, inspired by the work of D.W. Griffith. He began his career in the silent film era and transitioned smoothly into sound films, establishing himself as a master of the craft. Throughout his career, Renoir directed numerous classics, including “La Grande Illusion” (1937), “The Rules of the Game” (1939), and “The River” (1951). His films are known for their humanism, complex characters, and innovative storytelling techniques. Renoir’s work significantly influenced future generations of filmmakers and earned him a place among the greatest directors in cinema history. Jean Renoir passed away on February 12, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California, but his legacy endures through his timeless films and the profound impact he made on the art of filmmaking.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean Renoir

1. Jean Renoir was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for his film “The Southerner” (1945).

2. He was awarded an honorary Academy Award in 1975 for his lifetime achievements in cinema.

3. During World War II, Renoir moved to the United States and worked in Hollywood, where he directed several films, including “This Land Is Mine” (1943).

4. Renoir’s film “La Grande Illusion” was the first foreign-language film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

5. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the film industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean Renoir

1. “The real hell of life is everyone has his reasons.”

2. “A director makes only one movie in his life. Then he breaks it into pieces and makes it again.”

3. “I believe that nothing can be more abstract, more unreal, than what we actually see.”

4. “The foundation of all civilization is loitering.”

5. “There is nothing as mysterious as a fact clearly described.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jean Renoir’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but it is estimated to have been around $1 million at the time of his death, a considerable sum for his era.