Jean Gabin.

May 17, 1904 saw the birth of Jean Gabin Alexis Moncorgé in Paris. His parents Ferdinand and Hélène Petit were performers in low-class shows. School at Lycée Janson-de-Sailly was brief; he left to pursue theatre. His stage debut came as a variety singer, and he spent 15 years in theatre before moving to film.

Jean Gabin made his stage debut at the Moulin Rouge in 1929 and soon transitioned to film. His first major success came with Grand Illusion 1937, directed by Jean Renoir. La Bête Humaine followed in 1938. During World War II, he emigrated to Hollywood and had a romance with Marlene Dietrich. He returned to France, served in the 2nd Free French Armored Division, and later starred in Touchez Pas Au Grisbi 1954 and Les Misérables 1958. He acted until his death.

Gabin married three times: to Gaby Basset, then Suzanne Mauchain, a former chorus girl, and finally Dominique Fournier. He had three children: Florence, Valérie, and Mathias. He discouraged Florence from acting and did not attend her wedding to a jockey, instead sending Lino Ventura. During the German occupation, he lived in Hollywood with Marlene Dietrich.

Jean Gabin influenced directors like Sergio Leone, who called him his favorite actor. He received the Legion of Honour in 1960. A stamp in his honor was issued in 1998. He won the Volpi Cup twice. His ashes were scattered from a naval ship.