Jean-Pierre Aumont

Jean-Pierre Aumont was a French actor who began as a matinee idol and leading man during the 1930s. Born in Paris, he started drama studies at the Paris Conservatory when he was sixteen, made his stage debut at nineteen, and first appeared in a film in 1931. His defining role came in 1934 with Jean Cocteau's play La Machine infernale. The Second World War halted his rising career. He moved from Vichy France to New York and then Hollywood. Once The Cross of Lorraine (1943) was completed, he enlisted in the Free French Forces. Following the war he returned to acting in both Hollywood and France, often playing suave romantic leads. He appeared as the magician in Lili (1953) and worked in television and theater, including the musicals Tovarich, South Pacific and Gigi. A 1991 honorary César honored his contributions to French cinema, and he was also named a Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres.