AKA: Fernand Joseph Desire Contandin
Nationality: French
Birthdate: 05/08/1903
Birthplace: Marseilles, France
Death Date: 02/26/1971
Popular, prolific long-faced French comedian with an enormous, horsey grin who, through the expressive use of his hands, homely face and voice, became one of the most beloved film stars in France and appeared, often as innocent peasant characters, in almost 150 films. Although he first gained screen popularity with a serious role in Bernard Deschamps's "Le Rosier de Madame Husson" (1932), Fernandel was best known for his numerous comic portrayals, especially as the title character, an irascible Italian village priest, in the "Don Camillo" series.
Papa St Forget and His Quintuplet Sons
Worked as a bank teller, dock worker and clerk at father's wholesale grocery business while performing as an amateur comedian and cafe singer from the age of 10
1928
Paris revue debut as comedy singer at Concert Mayol
1930
Film acting debut, "Le Blanc et le Noir"
1932
Breakthrough role in "Le Rosier de Madame Husson/Mrs. Husson's Rosebush"
