Who Is Louis de Funès? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 31, 1914, Louis de Funès was a celebrated French actor and comedian whose distinctive style and comedic timing made him one of the most beloved figures of French cinema. He passed away on January 27, 1983, but his legacy continues to resonate with fans around the globe. With a career spanning over three decades, de Funès starred in numerous films, including "La Grande Vadrouille" and "Les Gendarmes," captivating audiences with his unique ability to blend slapstick humor with endearing characters. His contributions to the film industry not only earned him fame but also establish his status as a cultural icon in France and beyond.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1914 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Courbevoie, France |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 27 January, 1983 |
| Died Place | Nantes, France |
Popularity
Louis de Funès's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specifics on his height and weight during his lifetime vary, Louis de Funès was known to be approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall. His physicality and expressive facial features were integral to his performances, often enhancing the comedic elements of his roles.
Unlike the characters he played, De Funès was said to be a very shy person in real life.
Capable of an extremely rich and rapidly changing range of facial expressions, he was nicknamed "the man with forty faces per minute." In many of his films, he played the role of a humorously excitable, cranky, middle-aged or mature man with a propensity for hyperactivity, bad faith, and uncontrolled fits of anger.
Along with his short height – 1.64m – and his facial contortions, this hyperactivity produced a highly comic effect. This was particularly visible when he was paired with Bourvil, who was always given roles of calm, slightly naive, good-humoured men.
In De Funès's successful lead role in a cinematic version of Molière's The Miser, these characteristics are greatly muted, percolating just beneath the surface.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Louis de Funès was married twice in his lifetime. He first tied the knot with Ellen (Hélène) de Funès in 1936, and later, he found love with his second wife, Jeanne de Funès, with whom he shared a lasting bond until his death in 1983. Together, they had three children: Olivier, Daniel, and Pierre, who have often spoken of their father’s influence in their lives.
Though he was a private individual, his family often supported his career, and they maintained his legacy through various tributes and memories shared about him.
Since the couple's families opposed their marriage, they eloped to France in 1904. His father, Carlos Luis de Funès de Galarza, was a nobleman whose mother descended from the Counts de Galarza (of Basque origin). His father's family was from Funes. He had been a lawyer in Spain, but became a diamond cutter upon arriving in France.
His mother, Leonor Soto Reguera, was Galician, daughter to Galician lawyer Teolindo Soto Barro, of Portuguese descent.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1983, Louis de Funès had an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million. This wealth stemmed from his successful acting career and multiple blockbuster hits. Adjusted for inflation and considering his lasting popularity, it is likely that his estate continues to generate substantial income through royalties, film reruns, and merchandising tied to his classic films.
Career, Business and Investments
Louis de Funès's career in film began in the 1940s, but he achieved massive success in the 1960s with his roles in comedy classics. His most famous films, such as "Les Gendarmes" series and "La Grande Vadrouille," not only solidified his place in cinema history but also made him a household name in France.
In addition to acting, de Funès was also involved in various business ventures, including producing and directing. His passion for the arts extended beyond the screen, as he was known to have an interest in music and painting, allowing him to explore creativity in various forms.
De Funès began his show business career in the theatre, where he enjoyed moderate success and also played small roles in films. Even after he attained the status of a movie star, he continued to play theatre roles. His stage career culminated in a magnificent performance in the play Oscar, a role which he would reprise a few years later in the film adaptation.
Social Network
While social media did not exist in Louis de Funès's time, his films and persona have a strong presence on various platforms today. Fans continue to share his work on social media, often compiling tributes and nostalgic moments that keep his spirit alive. Numerous fan pages and groups dedicated to celebrating his legacy can be found across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, showcasing clips and memorable quotes from his filmography.
Education
Louis de Funès pursued a conservative education, initially studying at the École de Beauvais and later attending the École des Arts et Métiers in Paris. However, he pursued his passion for acting against his family's wishes, ultimately leading him to develop his craft through performances in local theaters and small roles in films. His determination and dedication to the performing arts paved the way for the remarkable career he would shortly embark upon.
