Franck Fernandel 1962 ItalyFranck Fernandel 1962 Italy
©Franck Fernandel 1962 Italy

Fernandel

French cinema icon and ambassador for Marseille
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A key figure in French cinema from the 1930s to the 1970s, Fernandel marked generations with his humor, lilting accent and unique charisma. From Marseilles to Paris, via Europe’s biggest stages, he embodied the warm, popular soul of Provence. Actor, singer and comedian, he remains a timeless symbol of French culture.

Fernandel and Marseille, a love story

Who was Fernandel?

Born Fernand Joseph Contandin on May 8, 1903 in Marseille, Fernandel is one of the iconic figures of pre- and post-war French cinema. Unmistakable thanks to his expressive face and lilting accent, he is considered a monument of the 7ᵉ art, particularly in the comic register.

Deep Marseilles roots

Fernandel was born in the Camas district, at 72 boulevard Chave (5th arrondissemnt). A bronze bust of him, created by Jacques Choquin, stands at the corner of boulevard Eugène Pierre and boulevard Chave.
He lived in the Trois Lucs district (12ᵉ arrondissement), in the famous Villa des Mille Roses, now on avenue Fernandel. He lived there with his wife and their three children, including Franck Fernandel, who followed in his father’s artistic footsteps. L’Oustaou de la Mar: his haven on the Côte Bleue Fernandel also owned a second home in Carry-le-Rouet, overlooking the port. This family haven, nicknamed “L’Oustaou de la Mar”, was one of his favorite places to recharge his batteries.

Fernandel buste
Fernandel
©André Cros
Fernandel Buste

    A cultural ambassador for Marseille and Provence

    Marseille has always played a central role in his life and career. His roles, imbued with the spirit of the Phocaean city, helped to spread Marseille’s culture far beyond its borders. Fernandel remains a source of inspiration and an eternal ambassador for his native city.
    Beyond his roles, Fernandel conveyed the warm, popular and authentic image of Marseille and Provencal culture.
    Even today, Marseille pays tribute to Fernandel through street names, statues and cultural events. He remains an eternal symbol of the city, whose smile continues to light up France’s collective memory.

    did you know?

    It is said that the nickname “Fernandel” was given to him by his mother-in-law. Seeing Fernand so devoted and eager to help her daughter Henriette, she is said to have laughed and said, “Well, there’s her Fernand!” This phrase is said to have left a lasting impression on Fernand, who decided to adopt the nickname as his stage name.

    A rich and varied career in French cinema

    A multi-faceted actor

    Fernandel made generations of people laugh with his inimitable facial expressions in such cult films as Don Camillo, Le Schpountz, La Cuisine au Beurre and Ali Baba et les Quarante Voleurs. He appeared in over 125 films, including several dramatic roles, such as La Vache et le Prisonnier, Naïs (after Emile Zola), Regain and Angèle (after Jean Giono), all directed by Marcel Pagnol.
    He worked with Marcel Pagnol on no fewer than 13 films, including La Fille du Puisatier (1940) and Manon des Sources (1952). He toured with some of the biggest stars of his day, and was a celebrity in his own right.

    Popular singer and comedian

    In addition to his film career, Fernandel was a popular singer and comedian. Titles such as Félicie aussi, Le Tango corse and Ignace remain emblematic. He made his Provençal accent an essential part of his style (Listen to Fernandel – l’Accent).
    General de Gaulle declared that he was “the only Frenchman to be as famous as he was in the world”, and Marcel Pagnol said of him after his death in Paris on February 27, 1971: “He was one of the greatest and most famous actors of our time, and can only be compared to Charlie Chaplin”.
    Fernandel truly left his mark on his era, and today lies buried in the Passy cemetery in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.

    “I’m admired, you’re loved.”
    Sacha Guitry to Fernandel