French actor and director. He was born 11 December 1913 in Cherbourg, France and died 8 November 1998 in Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, France.
As a child, he dreamed of becoming an actor but he was twice rejected when he applied to drama schools. During World War II, he worked in film and on the stage during the German occupation of France (1940-1944). After the Allies liberated Paris in August 1944, he joined Frances Second Armored Division and served as a truck driver carrying fuel and ammunition to the front.
His mentor was Jean Cocteau , who was also his lover between 1937 and 1963 (his death).
Adopted a son, Serge
Head of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1985
Member of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1958
Was raised by his mother and his grandmother in Le Vsinet near Paris.
Had a brother, Henri.
As he also was a respected sculptor, his monument "Le passe muraille" (The Walker Through Walls) honoring French author Marcel Aym can be seen in the Montmatre Quarter in Paris.
Is buried in Vallauris, France.
Started his professional career as caddy.
Apart from being a stage and film actor, he was also a writer and a noteworthy painter and sculptor.
Receiver of the French Legion of Honor.
Son of Alfred Emmanuel Victor Paul Villain-Marais and Aline Marie Louise Vassord.
What has always attracted me in life is poetry. Any genre can have,poetry. For me, poetry contains truth. .
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