Origins & Early Life

Michel Serrault (24 January 1928 – 29 July 2007) was a French stage and film actor who appeared from 1954 until 2007 in more than 130 films. His first professional job was in a touring production in Germany of Molière's Les Fourberies de Scapin. In 1948, he began his career in the theatre with Robert Dhéry in Les Branquignols. His first film was Ah!

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Les belles bacchantes, starring Dhéry, Colette Brosset (Dhéry's then-wife), and Louis de Funès; directed by Jean Loubignac in 1954. Serrault appeared in the 1955 suspense thriller Les diaboliques, starring Simone Signoret and directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. Throughout the 1950s, Serrault gained popularity in his comedy double act with Jean Poiret. From February 1973 through 1978, he portrayed the role of Albin/Zaza opposite Poiret in the play La cage aux folles, written by Poiret. He recreated the role for the film version of the play, which was released in 1978.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1977-1978 he played the composer Jacques Offenbach in a six-part series of one-hour episodes about the musician's life, each one focusing on a specific aspect or work. The success of the film version of La Cage aux folles helped Serrault, who had been...

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• 1928 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1928
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