Marcel Marceau.

Marcel Mangel

Born 22 Mar 1923 Strasbourg, France

Died 22 Sep 2007 Cahors, France

Citizenship France

Would Be 103 yr If Living

9 min read

Reading time

1,638

Words

Oct 24, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Marcel Marceau, born Marcel Mangel in 1923, survived the Nazi occupation and saved many children. He created the mime character Bip in 1947, blending harlequin with Chaplin and Keaton. His silent routines like The Cage and Walking Against the Wind earned him worldwide acclaim. He died in 2007 at age 84.

Identity & family.

KIN · 3

Names, aliases, and relatives of Marcel Marceau — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Marcel Mangel

Aliases Le Mime Marceau

Spouses: Anne Sicco Ella Jaroszewicz Huguette Mallette

At a glance.

STATS

Marcel Marceau by the numbers — life, work, and family.

84 Years lived

8 Awards

3 Marriages

Who was Marcel Marceau?

BIOGRAPHY

Marcel Marceau — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

At age 5, Marcel Mangel’s mother took him to a Charlie Chaplin film, sparking his dream to become a mime. A Jewish family in Strasbourg welcomed him in 1923. He grew up trilingual and studied at Lycée Fustel-de-Coulanges. During WWII, his family fled, his father was deported to Auschwitz, and Marceau changed his name, joined the French underground, and helped children escape to Switzerland.

Career

After the liberation of Paris in August 1944, Marceau gave his first big performance for 3000 troops. In 1946 he studied under Etienne Decroux at Charles Dullin’s school. In 1947 he created Bip, his white-faced clown. In 1949 he formed his own company and toured worldwide. He appeared in films like Barbarella 1968 and Silent Movie 1976, where he spoke his only word Non.

Personal life

Marceau married three times: to Huguette Mallette, Ella Jaroszewicz from 1966, and Anne Sicco from 1975 until his death. In later years he lived on a farm in Cahors. He was talkative off-stage, a contrast to his silent art.

Legacy

Marceau’s art of silence influenced Michael Jackson’s moonwalk, inspired by his Walking Against the Wind routine. He received honors like Officer de la Legion d’Honneur in 1978 and Grand Officer in 1998. In 2002 he was a UN Goodwill Ambassador. Japan called him a national treasure. He died in 2007 and was buried at Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 8

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Marcel Marceau — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Officer of the Legion of Honour
Commander of the National Order of Merit
Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres
Honorary doctorate from Princeton University
Knight of the French Order of Academic Palms
Orden al Mérito Docente y Cultural Gabriela Mistral
Prix du Brigadier
Honorary Molière Award

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 2

A wall of memorable lines from Marcel Marceau — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

If You Stop at All When You Are 70 or 80, You Cannot Go On. You Have to Keep Working. – 2003 Associated Press Interview.
Yes, I Cried for Him. – on His Father’s Death in Auschwitz

Did you know?

FACTS · 19

Little-known facts about Marcel Marceau — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

He had the only speaking part in Mel Brooks’ film Silent Movie 1976.
His Walking Against the Wind routine inspired Michael Jackson’s moonwalk.
Laurel & Hardy introduced him to Paris audiences in the early 1950s, giving him their stage time.
His father Charles perished in Auschwitz in 1944.
He was talkative off-stage.
New York City declared March 18 Marcel Marceau Day in 1999.
He was one of the world’s finest mime artists.
He spoke in an interview for the documentary Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin 2003.
He likened his character Bip to a modern-day Don Quixote.
He held honorary doctorates from Ohio State University, Linfield College, Princeton University and The University of Michigan.
Marceau’s costumes and belongings sold for $700,000 at auction in Paris, part of which paid off his debts.
He studied at Charles Dullin’s School of Dramatic Art under Etienne Decroux.
He was interred in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris in 2007.
Artist and fellow mime Paulette Frankl released a memoir in August 2014 about her relationship with Marceau, Marcel & Me: A Memoir of Love, Lust, and Illusion.
At his burial ceremony, the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 and Bach’s sarabande from Cello Suite No. 5 were played.
He was born to Charles Mangel, a kosher butcher, and his wife Anne Werzberg, and grew up in Strasbourg until World War II.
He showed versatility in films like Barbarella 1968, First Class 1970 playing 17 roles, and Shanks 1974 as a deaf-mute puppeteer and mad scientist.
In honor of his 100th birthday on March 22, 2023, he was honored with a Google Doodle.
He was born at 8:00 am UT.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 53

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Marcel Marceau.

When was Marcel Marceau born?

Marcel Marceau was born on March 22, 1923, in Strasbourg, France.
Where was Marcel Marceau born?

Marcel Marceau was born in Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, France.
When did Marcel Marceau die?

Marcel Marceau died on September 22, 2007, at his home in Cahors, France.
How old was Marcel Marceau when he died?

Marcel Marceau was 84 years old at the time of his death.
Where did Marcel Marceau die?

Marcel Marceau died in Cahors, Lot, France.
What was the cause of Marcel Marceau's death?

The cause of Marcel Marceau’s death was undisclosed.
What was Marcel Marceau's birth name?

Marcel Marceau was born as Marcel Mangel.
Why did Marcel Marceau change his name?

He changed his name to Marceau during World War II to hide his Jewish origin from the Nazis.
What did Marcel Marceau do for a living?

Marcel Marceau was an actor and writer, best known as a mime artist.
What nationality was Marcel Marceau?

Marcel Marceau was French.
Who was Marcel Marceau married to?

Marcel Marceau was married three times: to Huguette Mallette, Ella Jaroszewicz, and Anne Sicco.
When did Marcel Marceau marry Ella Jaroszewicz?

Marcel Marceau married Ella Jaroszewicz on June 16, 1966.
When did Marcel Marceau marry Anne Sicco?

Marcel Marceau married Anne Sicco in 1975, and they remained married until his death.
What was Marcel Marceau's height?

Marcel Marceau was 5 feet 9 inches 1.75 m tall.
What was Marcel Marceau's alias?

Marcel Marceau was also known as Le Mime Marceau.
Where did Marcel Marceau go to school?

Marcel Marceau attended Lycée Fustel-de-Coulanges in Strasbourg, Lycée Gay-Lussac, and École nationale supérieure d’art de Limoges.
What awards did Marcel Marceau win?

Marcel Marceau received numerous awards including Officer of the Legion of Honour, Commander of the National Order of Merit, Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, and an honorary doctorate from Princeton University.
How many awards did Marcel Marceau win?

Marcel Marceau won at least eight major awards, including the Honorary Molière Award.
What is Marcel Marceau best known for?

Marcel Marceau is best known as a master of silence and for creating the mime character Bip in 1947.
What was Marcel Marceau's most famous character?

Marcel Marceau’s most famous character was Bip, a white-faced clown with a tall hat and red flower.
When did Marcel Marceau create Bip?

Marcel Marceau created Bip in 1947, blending harlequin with gestures of Chaplin and Keaton.
What films did Marcel Marceau appear in?

Marcel Marceau appeared in films such as Barbarella 1968, First Class 1970, Shanks 1974, and Silent Movie 1976.
Did Marcel Marceau speak in Silent Movie?

Yes, Marcel Marceau had the only speaking part in Mel Brooks’ Silent Movie 1976, saying the word Non.
Was Marcel Marceau in the French Resistance?

Yes, Marcel Marceau and his brother Alain worked in the French underground, helping children escape to Switzerland.
How did Marcel Marceau survive the Holocaust?

Marcel Marceau survived the Holocaust by hiding his Jewish identity, changing his name, and joining the French Resistance.
What happened to Marcel Marceau's father?

Marcel Marceau’s father, Charles Mangel, was deported to Auschwitz and killed in 1944.
Who were Marcel Marceau's parents?

Marcel Marceau’s parents were Charles Mangel, a kosher butcher and baritone singer, and Anne Werzberg.
Did Marcel Marceau have children?

Yes, Marcel Marceau had two children including Camille Marceau and Aurélia Marceau.
What was Marcel Marceau's first public performance?

Marcel Marceau gave his first big public performance to 3,000 troops after the liberation of Paris in August 1944.
Who taught Marcel Marceau mime?

Marcel Marceau studied under Etienne Decroux at Charles Dullin’s School of Dramatic Art.
What inspired Marcel Marceau to become a mime?

Marcel Marceau was inspired after seeing a Charlie Chaplin film at age 5.
What was Marcel Marceau's signature routine?

Marcel Marceau’s signature routines include The Cage, Walking Against the Wind, and The Mask Maker.
Did Michael Jackson copy Marcel Marceau's moonwalk?

Michael Jackson’s moonwalk was inspired by Marceau’s routine Walking Against the Wind.
What honors did Marcel Marceau receive?

Marcel Marceau was made Officer de la Legion d’Honneur in 1978 and Grand Officer in 1998, and received the National Order of Merit.
Was Marcel Marceau a UN Goodwill Ambassador?

Yes, in 2002 Marcel Marceau served as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the international conference on aging.
Where is Marcel Marceau buried?

Marcel Marceau is buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France.
What music was played at Marcel Marceau's funeral?

At his funeral, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 and Bach’s Cello Suite No. 5 were performed.
How tall was Marcel Marceau?

Marcel Marceau was 5 feet 9 inches 1.75 m tall.
What was Marcel Marceau's real name?

Marcel Marceau’s real name was Marcel Mangel.
Did Marcel Marceau speak in any films?

Marcel Marceau spoke only one word on screen: Non in Mel Brooks’ Silent Movie 1976.
How did Marcel Marceau become a mime?

After seeing Charlie Chaplin at age 5, Marceau studied mime under Etienne Decroux and trained at Charles Dullin’s school.
Was Marcel Marceau talkative in real life?

Despite his silent performances, Marcel Marceau was talkative off-stage.
What is Marcel Marceau's legacy?

Marcel Marceau is remembered as the master of silence who brought poetry to mime and inspired countless artists, including Michael Jackson.
Did Marcel Marceau have a school?

Yes, in 1959 Marcel Marceau established his own school in Paris and later the Marceau Foundation.
How did Marcel Marceau help during WWII?

Marcel Marceau and his brother helped children escape to Switzerland through the French underground.
What was Marcel Marceau's first film role?

Marcel Marceau played Professor Ping in the 1968 film Barbarella.
Did Marcel Marceau win an Emmy?

Yes, Marcel Marceau won an Emmy Award for his television work.
What is the Marcel Marceau Day?

New York City declared March 18 as Marcel Marceau Day in 1999.
Was Marcel Marceau a multilingual speaker?

Yes, Marcel Marceau was trilingual in French, English, and German, and surprised many with his flowing speeches.
What influenced Marcel Marceau's mime style?

Marceau cited Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and the Marx Brothers as his biggest inspirations.
How many roles did Marceau play in First Class?

In the 1970 film First Class, Marceau played 17 different roles.
What is the Marceau Foundation?

The Marceau Foundation was established to promote the art of pantomime in the United States.
Did Marcel Marceau perform on The Ed Sullivan Show?

Yes, Marcel Marceau appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show starting in 1948.

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Audited & updated by

Sophia has 4 years of editorial experience and a habit of becoming the person any team leans on when they need to know where something stands. At Famousy, she manages the content pipeline, coordinates reviews, and handles the detail work that keeps a large editorial operation from falling apart. She reads a lot of profiles in the process and she's developed a sharp instinct for when something doesn't feel right. She flags it. It usually is.

Published on October 24, 2026

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