10 facts you didn’t know about Louis de Funès

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L'homme orchestre- Funes
L'homme orchestre- Funes
L'homme orchestre- Funes

Louis de Funès is undoubtedly one of the most iconic French actors of all time, known for his comedic roles in over 140 films. Despite his widespread popularity, there are several interesting facts about his life...[Click "Lire la suite" to read more]

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Louis de Funès in "L'homme orchestre" © Gaumont

 

Stream the best films with Louis de Funès now on TV5MONDE USA such as La Folie des Grandeurs (1971), L'Homme Orchestre (1970), Hibernatus (1969), Le P'tit Baigneur (1968), Oscar (1967), Pouic-Pouic (1963), Les Grandes Vacances (1967), and Le Grand Restaurant (1966).

Louis de Funès is undoubtedly one of the most iconic French actors of all time, known for his comedic roles in over 140 films. Despite his widespread popularity, there are several interesting facts about his life and career that many people may not know. In this article, we will take a look at 10 things you didn't know about Louis de Funès.

If you like French movies and especially classic comedies, stream now the best films with Louis de Funès on TV5MONDE USA such as La Folie des Grandeurs (1971), L'Homme Orchestre (1970), Hibernatus (1969), Le P'tit Baigneur (1968), Oscar (1967), Pouic-Pouic (1963), Les Grandes Vacances (1967), and Le Grand Restaurant (1966).

1. He started off as a jazz pianist...

...which is how he met agents and other players in the industry. In fact, he initially wanted to pursue a career in music, but his interest in acting eventually led him down a different path. However, his background in music proved to be useful in his acting career, as he often incorporated elements of physicality and rhythm into his performances.

2.De Funès should have played Hitler's half brother...

...in "Papy fait de la resistance" by Jean-Marie Poiré but he died before the film went into production, and the role was ultimately cut from the script. Louis de Funes had made a specialty of playing in WWII comedies, like La Traversée de Paris and La grande vadrouille.

Read our article on the Top 15 Movies of Louis de Funès

 

3. He wanted to play Asterix...

...in a movie adaptation of the comic books. He reportedly expressed interest in playing the titular character in a movie adaptation, but the project never took off. It was rumored that Lino Ventura would have been his Obélix.

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4. He would often not pay for things...

...as back then in France it was common to pay by check and people would rather keep his autograph on the check than cash the check. Due to his celebrity status.

5. He wasn't friends with many actors...

...as Louis de Funes (born Louis Germain David de Funès de Galarza in Courbevoie) didn't like the spotlight on himself, big receptions and red carpets, or even the life in Paris. He reportedly preferred to live a quieter life in the countryside of France, away from the bustle of Paris and the attention that came with his fame.

6. Other actors often find it difficult to play with him...

... like Jean Marais in Fantomas, Fernandel, Bourvil in La Traversée de Paris and Le Corniaud (Gérard Oury) or Jean Lefevre in Le Gendarme De Saint Tropez (Jean Girault, 1964) as they would often feel he would be the star of the scenes and the film even when he only had a supporting role. Louis de Funès had a powerful presence on screen that could sometimes overshadow his co-stars and other actors such reportedly found it difficult to share the screen with him, as they sometimes felt overshadowed by his energy and comedic timing.

7. He was known for his improvisational skills...

...and willingness to take risks on set. As an actor, Louis de Funes was willing to take risks and try new things on set. He was known for his improvisational skills, often coming up with ad-libbed lines and physical gags on the spot. He also wasn't afraid to take on difficult or physically demanding stunts. To see that side of him, you should watch films like Le Grand Restaurant, La Grande Vadrouille, Pouic-Pouic, Fantômas or Le gendarme de Saint Tropez.

8. He was a philanthropist and supported numerous charities...

...despite his reputation as a private person. He supported a number of charities throughout his career, including organizations that helped children with disabilities and those in need of medical care.

9. He was one of the most prolific actor ever...

...appearing in over 140 films throughout his career. Stream now Louis de Funès movies on TV5MONDE.

10. Louis de Funès was the proud owner of a 17th-century castle...

...in the Loire Valley region of France called château de Clermont. The castle, located in the town of Cellé, was originally built in 1649 and purchased by de Funès in 1967 for 830,000 francs (approximately $200, 000). He restored the castle to its former glory, filling it with antique furniture, tapestries, and paintings. The property also included extensive gardens and a large swimming pool. The castle served as a peaceful retreat for de Funès and his family, where he could escape the pressures of his career.

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