Jean-Pierre Aumont (January 5, 1911 – January 30, 2001) was a dashing and sophisticated French actor and war hero whose incredible charm and talent made him a popular leading man in both French and American cinema for over five decades.
Aumont was already a star in his native France, known for his role in the Marcel Carné classic Hôtel du Nord (1938), before his career was interrupted by World War II. After the fall of France, he emigrated to Hollywood but soon joined the Free French Forces, fighting with distinction in North Africa and Italy and being decorated for his bravery with the Légion d’Honneur and the Croix de Guerre.
After the war, he returned to the screen and became a beloved international star. His most notable American roles include playing the charismatic magician Marc in the beloved musical Lili (1953) opposite Leslie Caron, and a memorable performance as the aging but still suave actor, Alexandre, in François Truffaut’s Oscar-winning masterpiece Day for Night (1973), a fitting tribute to his long and distinguished career.
