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Fernandel

Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (fɛʁnɑ̃ ʒozɛf deziʁe kɔ̃tɑ̃dɛ̃; 8 May 1903 – 26 February 1971),[1] better known as Fernandel, was a French comic actor. Fernandel was born in Marseille, France, to Désirée Bedouin and Denis Contandin, originating in Perosa Argentina, a town located in the province of Turin, Italy,[2] he became a comedy star, first gaining popularity in French vaudeville, operettas, and music-hall revues. His stage name originated from his marriage to Henriette Manse, the sister of his best friend and frequent cinematic collaborator Jean Manse.

Also recorded as Fernand Joseph Desire Contandin

Fernandel

Grave monument of French actor Fernandel

Theo · CC BY-SA 3.0

Name
Fernandel
Birth Name
Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin
Born
8 May 1903
Birthplace
Marseille, France
Died
26 February 1971
Place of death
Paris, France
Occupation
* Actor
Full name
Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin.
Nationality
France.
Honours
Knight of the Legion of Honour, Knight of the National Order of Merit, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Officier de l'Instruction publique, Golden Leopard and honorary citizenship.
Languages
French.

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Documentary summary

Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (fɛʁnɑ̃ ʒozɛf deziʁe kɔ̃tɑ̃dɛ̃; 8 May 1903 – 26 February 1971),[1] better known as Fernandel, was a French comic actor. Fernandel was born in Marseille, France, to Désirée Bedouin and Denis Contandin, originating in Perosa Argentina, a town located in the province of Turin, Italy,[2] he became a comedy star, first gaining popularity in French vaudeville, operettas, and music-hall revues. His stage name originated from his marriage to Henriette Manse, the sister of his best friend and frequent cinematic collaborator Jean Manse.

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Note VALÉORINE

Fernandel (1903–1971) was an actor, comedian and director, among other activities, of French nationality. The actor was born Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin in Marseille and died in Paris.

Fernandel worked for Banque nationale de crédit and was a member of 93e régiment d'artillerie de montagne. The actor lived in 16th arrondissement of Paris, 9th arrondissement of Paris and Carry-le-Rouet.

Languages used include French. Honours include Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Golden Leopard and honorary citizenship, among others.

Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 27 September 2026

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Authority files

gnd · 134733711 · wikidata · Q129092 · wikipedia · Fernandel

In this article

  1. 01Biography
  2. 02Recordings and discography
  3. 03Archives and collections
  4. 04Bibliography and scholarly literature
  5. 05Notes, references and evidence

The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.

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