Bourvil

André Bourvil, a French actor and singer best known for his roles in comedy, most notably in his collaboration with Louis de Funès in La Grande Vadrouille (1966), was born André Robert Raimbourg (July 27, 1917, Prétot-Vicquemare, France). He died September 23, 1970 in Paris, of Kahler's syndrome.


Bourvil wasn't born when his father was killed at war, and he spent his entire childhood in the village of Bourville, the name of which inspired his stage name. He married Jeanne Lefrique on January 23, 1943. After a battle with Kahler's syndrome, which attacks the bone marrow, he died at the age of 53. He is buried in Mountainville (Yvelines).


In his comic performances Bourvil principally played roles of gentle and well-meaning characters who were often a bit obtuse or naive, such as his roles opposite the energetic Louis de Funès. Bourvil's well-meaning characters not only managed to make us laugh but also to save themselves from the Machiavellian designs of adversaries played by de Funès.

Bourvil was, however, also capable of more dramatic roles such as the handyman in L'Arbre de Noël (1969). In this role he observes the relationship between a man he works for and the young son who has fallen ill. The audience can identify with the character played by Bourvil, just as they can in his comic roles, so often as a simple man. One can also note his role of Thénardier in the film adaptation of Misérables (1958).

Discography: