As accomplished and versatile the well-loved French actor Michel Serrault proved to be over the course of five decades, American audiences still remember this actor for one role only - that of the neurotic, outrageously flamboyant drag performer Albin (aka Zaza) in the side-splitting French gay farce 一笼傻鸟 (1978). Opposite Italian actor 乌戈·托尼亚齐 as his more subdued partner/manager Renato, the unambiguously gay duo easily became one of the most well-received matchups ever on celluloid both here and abroad. Forget Felix and Oscar or even the Scarlett and Rhett coupling, this pair managed to turn 一笼傻鸟 (1978) not only into the cult film classic it is today, but made it one of America's largest cross-over European hits ever.
Born in Brunoy, France on January 24, 1928, Serrault initially had a calling to join the priesthood. After entering the seminary, he quickly realized there would be a conflict with the vow of celibacy and left. The love of performing must have also been a strong factor as he quickly changed the course of his destiny and taking up dramatic studies in Paris. His career began on the cabaret stage and as a singing apprentice and member of Robert Dhery's theater troupe before its focus shifted to filmmaking in the mid-50s. Making his film debut in 1954, one of his earliest films was in 亨利's masterpiece thriller 恶魔 (1955) starring 西蒙·西涅莱 in a featured part.
From there he developed into a supremely talented performer who went on to appear in hundreds of character film studies, With a chameleon-like approach to his work, he proved himself not only a gifted and witty farceur but a dark and compelling dramatic actor capable of going to extreme depths in order to play a character. A successful partnership on stage and in film with the late writer/actor 让·普瓦雷, which included his huge international hit 一笼傻鸟 (1978) and its first sequel, enhanced the respect he earned over the years. Serrault seldom ventured outside the realm of Gallic filming, which explains why he has not been a strong foreign name in America.
He has been a recipient of many awards for his work. In France he has the distinction of being a three-time "Best Actor" César winner for 一笼傻鸟 (1978), 夜审 (1981) and, more recently, his retired judge in 真爱未了情 (1995). Like fine wine, Serrault continued to age well as an actor while continuing to stay on top of his craft with such marvelous performances as his grifter alongside 伊莎贝尔·于佩尔 in 克洛德·夏布洛尔's L'entourloupe (1980), the titular serial killer 佩蒂奥医生 (1990), the white-haired old timer opposite film icon 让娜·莫罗 in 走在海中的老妇 (1991) and his farmer in 梦想起飞的季节 (2001). He died on July 29, 2007 of cancer and was survived by his wife Juanita and actress/daughter Nathalie Serrault
Father of actress Nathalie Serrault, who gave birth to his first grandchild Gwendoline. His other daughter Caroline died in a road accident in 1977.
As he wanted to become a priest, he was sent to a seminary. Some weeks later, he fell in love with a girl and abandoned his plans.
Had two brothers, Raoul and Guy, and a sister, Denise.
Made his stage debut during a theater tour in Germany (1946).
His roles in plays of 莎士比亚 and 莫里哀 made him one of the most respected stage actors in France and one of the youngest members at the "Comédie Francaise".
Got to know his wife Nita at the Conservatoire Maubel in the late 1940s.
Although credited, he didn't appear in 处女们 (1963).
Joining a seminary at the age of 14, he originally wanted to become a priest.
The witnesses for his wedding to Nita were Jean Poiret and Françoise Dorin. Nita died on 15 November 2008.
