The father of one of the greatest comedians Fernandel dreamed that his son would become a famous singer in the whole district. The parents' expectations were justified, however, the son did not become a vocalist, but his acting game conquered both France and the whole world.
Laughter became the craft of the clown man Fernand Joseph Desiree Contanden. Success with the public was guaranteed by a barely noticeable smile. In his youth, the soldier was even released from carrying the guard, since the sentry's mimicry attracted everyone's attention, providing a crowd of onlookers.
The path to the vocation
The biography of the future star began in 1903. The boy was born in Marseille on May 8 in the family of a bank employee. Father's free time was given to performing on stage under the pseudonym Sine. Five-year-old Fernand also played with his father.
The boy was involved, to his delight, in all performances where a little artist was required. Often the elder brother was accompanied by his younger brother Marcel. The father dreamed that both children would become artists.
The ten-year-old Fernand decided on a comic career after the performance of Polen's verse. The boy quickly learned the chansonnier's repertoire, and then sang the verses at a local cafe. The first success inspired the boy to continue. Soon, the younger Sine took part in an amateur chansonnier competition, becoming the second.
An attempt to work in a bank, like a father, was unsuccessful. The guy performed in the evenings with verses and sketches.
Cinema and family
After the First World War, Kontanden Sr., with the help of his sons, decided to open a tavern. The deal turned out to be unsuccessful, prompting business from Fernand. He changed his business to work as a docker. However, very soon the young man, who was far from athletic build, realized that physical labor was not for him.
In 1922, Contanden began performing in Nice under a contract with the local cabaret "Eldorado" under the pseudonym Fernandel. To his name, he added the nickname of Henriette, sister of Jean Mans, a future screenwriter, whose works will make up the comedian's repertoire for many years.
Then there was a theater troupe and a tour of the south of the country, which provided the guy with the role of the first comedian and an engagement on the stages of Marseille. However, instead of the drama theater, the actor went to the music hall. The young man got married. Henriette Mans became his chosen one. Little Josette appeared in the family, followed by Frank and Janine. After serving in the army, Fernandel accepted an invitation to a long tour around the country and abroad, and then began performing in the capital's cabaret theater "Bobino".
Successful performances reinforced the author's image. By that time, the moments in cinema, which became sound, required actors with stage speech skills. Fernand decided to try his hand. He made a successful debut in 1930 in the short film The Best Nanny. After the triumph, there was no end to the offer. The artist quickly became one of the most popular performers in the country.
World glory
A frivolous and carefree person became his usual character. The comic effect was caused by grimaces, grimaces and Fernandel's unique smile. But the artist was not deprived of dramatic talent, he knew how to move from buffoonery to drama. He proved this with his 1937 film Ball Notebook. The role of a hairdresser was called one of the best in his career.
A new interest in the work of Fernandel appeared in the fifties. He received the Courtelein Prize as the best comedian in France, became a Knight of the Legion of Honor. His best film was called "Law is law", where Fernandel's screen partner was the Italian comedian Toto.
Since the sixties, the artist has increasingly appeared in melodramas. Together with Jean Gabin, the comedian created the film company "Gafer". The artist's last film was the 1970 film "Happy is he who is like Ulysses."
The great actor passed away in 1971, on February 26.
