Death of Michel Blanc, the iconic Jean-Claude Dusse, a giant of French cinema

Actor, screenwriter and director Michel Blanc, best known for his iconic role with the Splendid troupe, died at the age of 72 on the night of October 3 to 4, following a heart attack in a Paris hospital. With decades of outstanding contributions to French cinema, Blanc leaves behind an unforgettable body of work, both comic and dramatic.

Michel Blanc died at the age of 72 on the night of Thursday October 3 to Friday October 4 in Paris, following cardiac arrest due to anaphylactic shock following a medical examination. Born in Courbevoie, he first came to prominence on stage with the Splendid troupe, alongside Christian Clavier, Gérard Jugnot, Thierry Lhermitte and Josiane Balasko. A pillar of French cinema who, in addition to his comedic roles, impressed audiences with his ability to portray complex, dramatic characters.

Initially known for his comic roles as Jean-Claude Dusse in Patrice Leconte's Les Bronzés (1978), Michel Blanc established a unique style, playing characters both hilarious and exasperating. But far from locking himself into a single register, he took the bold gamble of diversifying his career with darker, more dramatic roles, such as Antoine in Bertrand Blier's Tenue de soirée (1986), which won him the Best Actor Award at Cannes, or Patrice Leconte's psychological Monsieur Hire (1989).

Michel Blanc's key roles

Michel Blanc first came to public attention with the cult films of Le Splendid, some of which are listed below:

Patrice Leconte'sLes Bronzés (1978): Jean-Claude Dusse's clumsy, desperate role made him immensely popular. The film became a classic of French comedy.
Les Bronzés font du ski (1979): Continuation of the gang's adventures, with Jean-Claude Dusse as hilarious as ever.
Marche à l'ombre (1984): Comedy directed by Michel Blanc, in which he plays Denis, a failed musician. The film was a great success, consolidating his status as a popular comic.

A career focused on more dramatic roles

Although he made his name with his "loser" characters, Michel Blanc soon sought to explore other registers. His most famous dramatic roles include:

Tenue de soirée (1986) by Bertrand Blier: He plays Antoine, a transvestite, in a black comedy. His performance earned him the Prix d'interprétation masculine at Cannes.
Monsieur Hire (1989) by Patrice Leconte: Adapted from a novel by Georges Simenon, this dramatic film features a solitary, disturbing man who obsesses a young woman.

Talented director and screenwriter

Michel Blanc was not only an actor, he also made his mark behind the camera. He directed several films, often tinged with derision and self-mockery:

Grosse fatigue (1994): Directed and written by Michel Blanc, this film, which recounts the misadventures of an actor harassed by his double, won the Screenplay Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Embrassez qui vous voudrez (2002): This acid comedy about relationships confirms his talent as a director. The film features an impressive cast, including Charlotte Rampling and Carole Bouquet.

Recognition and awards

Throughout his career, Michel Blanc has received numerous awards for his work:

Prix d'interprétation masculine at Cannes (1986) for Tenue de soirée.
Screenplay prize at Cannes (1994) for Grosse fatigue.
Molière for adaptor (2004) for L'amour est enfant de salaud.
César for Best Supporting Actor (2012) for L'Exercice de l'État, in which he plays a political advisor.

The Splendid legacy

The success of Les Bronzés 3 (2006) may not have been a critical success, but Michel Blanc has never denied his years with the Splendid troupe. Until recently, he spoke fondly of his lifelong accomplices, while acknowledging that the comedic style of the time had evolved. In 2021, theAcadémie des César awarded the Splendid an anniversary César in recognition of the troupe's impact on French cinema.

With his death, an important chapter in French cinema is closing. Michel Blanc leaves behind unforgettable roles, sharp scripts and a career marked by audacity, rigor and talent.