Marcel Marceau
- Born:
- March 22, 1923, Strasbourg, France
- Died:
- September 22, 2007, Cahors, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Mime Artist, Actor, Teacher
Early Life and Education
- Born Marcel Mangel to Jewish parents.
- Family fled France during World War II to escape Nazi persecution.
- Joined the French Resistance, changing his surname to Marceau to avoid detection.
- Studied drama at the School of Dramatic Art of the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre in Paris.
Career and Major Achievements
- Developed his signature mime character, "Bip," in 1947.
- Founded Compagnie de Mime Marcel Marceau in 1949.
- Toured extensively throughout the world, popularizing the art of mime.
- Established the École Internationale de Mime de Paris in 1978.
- Received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the performing arts.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Barbarella | Professor Ping |
| 1976 | Silent Movie | Himself |
| 2000 | The Man Who Planted Trees (narrator, English version) | Narrator |
Publications
- Mime Marcel Marceau: Art, Life, & Illusion (1991)
- Numerous articles and essays on the art of mime.
Legacy and Impact
Marcel Marceau, whose full journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim would be an extensive "mime artist marcel marceau biography" in itself, revitalized and popularized the art of mime in the 20th century. His character, Bip, became a universally recognized symbol of human emotion and experience. He influenced generations of performers and left an indelible mark on the world of theater and performing arts.