The actor and director Michel Blanc, cult character of “Bronzés”, died at the age of 72

French cinema is losing one of its figures. The actor and director Michel Blanc died Thursday October 3 at the age of 72, his press secretary announced to several media, confirming information from Paris Match. Revealed in the 1970s with the Splendid troupe, the actor exploded into the eyes of the general public with his role as Jean-Claude Dusse in The Bronzed. He then played roles in numerous comedy films, as Come to my house, I’m staying with a friend, My wife’s name is come back or Grandpa resists.

In the 2000s, he launched into the dramatic register, with Kiss whoever you wantwhich he wrote and directed. His performance as a grumpy farmer in I find you very beautifuldirected by Isabelle Mergault, was praised. In 2012, he received the César for best supporting actor for The State Exercise and had been nominated four times for the César for best actor, without ever obtaining the statuette.

“Fuck Michel… What did you do to us…” reacted the actor Gérard Jugnot, partner of Michel Blanc with the Splendid, on his Instagram account.