On January 28, 2025, France commemorated the 20th anniversary of the passing of one of its beloved cinematic figures, Jacques Villeret, who died on January 25, 2005. Villeret, whose career was marked by iconic performances, leaves behind a rich legacy with 25 successful films under his belt, captivating audiences with his unique charm, including stand-out roles such as the alien from La Soupe aux choux and the hapless François Pignon from Le Dîner de cons.
The tribute to Villeret on France 3 highlighted his enduring influence on French cinema. The network aired several of his classic films, providing viewers with the opportunity to revisit some of their favorite moments filled with laughter and emotion. Accompanying the film reruns was the documentary Jacques Villeret, drôlement tragique, which featured rare archival footage and touching testimonies from those who knew him best, including his sister Ghislaine and fellow actors like Nathalie Baye and Claude Lelouch.
Born on February 6, 1951, in Tours and raised in Loches, Villeret experienced a happy childhood. He expressed his ambition to become an actor from an early age, stating, "J’ai eu rapidement envie de faire l’acteur". His larger-than-life presence complemented his self-deprecative humor, which endeared him to the public and made him one of the most memorable personalities on screen.
A talent for comedy emerged early during his time at the national drama conservatory, where Villeret was noted for his remarkable skills and potential. He quickly became prominent on stage, sharing the spotlight with names like André Dussollier and Jacques Weber, who recalled seeing Villeret’s talent shine through during their performances together.
Despite his success, Villeret faced personal challenges, stemming from family secrets and financial pressures. Ghislaine revealed, "Ma mère lui a dit : 'Jacques, ton père n’est pas ton père.'" This shocking disclosure followed him, as did financial difficulties which led to personal crises, including issues with taxes. He candidly shared, "Je me retrouve en chaussettes et en slip," illustrating the hardships he encountered behind the glitz of celebrity.
Villeret's career highlights include memorable performances, particularly his role as the extraterrestrial character Claude Béranger in La Soupe aux choux, starring alongside the legendary Louis de Funès. This cult favorite featured scenes of hilarity and sparked both admiration and ridicule among critics. Jean Carmet, who starred alongside Villeret, explained, "Louis n'est pas un technicien sur le plateau. C'est le directeur d'acteurs," underscoring the supportive dynamics behind Villeret's successful performances.
High tensions within the film industry were evident when Villeret was reportedly envied by prominent actors, including Yves Montand. Montand's apprehension about being overshadowed by Villeret during their collaborative projects reflects the struggles between competitive artists. This led to pivotal casting decisions, one of which resulted in Daniel Auteuil stepping in for Villeret during Jean de Florette.
Villeret's immense appeal was solidified with his unforgettable role as François Pignon in Le Dîner de cons. Director Patrice Leconte reflected on Villeret's definitive mark on this iconic character, saying, "Dans ce film, on a envie de dire 'merci Jacques pour ce personnage.'" Pignon became synonymous with Villeret, illustrating how he connected intimately with the audiences who found warmth and humor through his portrayal.
Despite the challenges and tragedies throughout his life, Villeret's authenticity shone through both onscreen and off. His performances were enriched by his genuine nature, observable not just through acting but also through his kindness and empathy toward others. The documentary presented insights from various artists who collaborated with him, reflecting his ability to garner affection and admiration from those around him.
The remembrance of Jacques Villeret serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life contrasted with the brightness of his legacy on screen. His films continue to resonate with audiences, reminding them of the joy of laughter intertwined with the beauty of human connection. Even now, as France honors him, his work remains relevant and cherished, underscoring the timeless relevance of sincerity and humor.
Reflecting on the legacy of Jacques Villeret, we are prompted to celebrate not just the actor, but the warmth, laughter, and humanity he shared with audiences worldwide.