Gérard Lanvin

Gérard Lanvin (; born 21 June 1950) is a French actor.

Biography Born to an upper-class family, Lanvin quit his studies when he was 17 to become an actor, against the wishes of his parents. For several years he made a living selling second-hand clothes. While selling jeans, he met Coluche and Miou-Miou and discovered through them the café-théâtre scene. He later become a regular performer at the Café de la Gare, where he also held various duties such as stagehand and lighting manager. In 1975, he created the theater La Veuve Pichard in Paris, together with other actors including Anémone and Martin Lamotte.

Coluche offered him his first major film role in the comedy Vous n'aurez pas l'Alsace et la Lorraine (1977). However, following the film's box-office failure, Lanvin struggled for a time to find roles. In 1980, he played a starring role in the drama A Week's Vacation. Lanvin next gained notice for his role in the psychological thriller Strange Affair (1981), which earned him the Jean-Gabin Award. Lanvin then starred in several crime and action films, including the dystopic science fiction thriller Le prix du danger (1983).

In 1984, Lanvin enjoyed particular success by co-starring with Michel Blanc in the comedy film Marche à l'ombre. This was followed the next year by another box-office hit, the action film Les Spécialistes, in which Lanvin co-starred with Bernard Giraudeau.

During the 2000s, Lanvin appeared in several popular comedies, winning the César Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role with The Taste of Others (2000). Other box-office successes included the comedies 3 Zéros (2002), Camping (2006) and the gangster film Les Lyonnais (2011).

Selected filmography

Discography Albums

Awards 1982: Jean-Gabin Award for Strange Affair 1995: The Favourite Son for The Favourite Son 2001: César Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Taste of Others Nominations 1982: César Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Strange Affair 1983: César Award for Best Actor for Tir groupé