Gérard Lanvin, his brooding gaze, deadpan humor and tight jaw made him one of the most eclectic actors of his generation and, with nearly 80 films and series under his belt, one of the main faces of French cinema.
A four-time César nominee for his work, Gérard Lanvin was best actor for Nicole Garcia’s Favorite Son, in which he reunited with Bernard Giraud nine years after The Specialists. Five years later, he won Best Supporting Actor for his role as a dead bodyguard in Agnes Jauy’s The Taste of Others.
And did you recognize this other French star in his first film Les Diaboliques?
A member of the Kolushi circus
Gérard Lanvin is a close friend of Koluch, to the point of living with him. When the comedian had the opportunity to appear alongside Louis de Funes in L’Aile ou la thigh, it was only natural that he suggested Claude Zid give small roles to his friends, including Marie-Anne Chazelle, Martin Lamott, Bouboule and Gerard Lanvin.
Gerard Lanvin to Colouche
Thus, the latter appears several times, often at the back of the screen, as a member of the circus, in which Gerard Duchem (Koluch) plays – literally – a clown. He is also seen in a costume similar to a trapeze artist or ringmaster during the shows shown in the film. We can also see him in “civilian clothes” like in this bar scene:

Gerard Lanvin (and Marie-Anne Chazelle behind)
on the road to success
After appearing in The Wing or the Thigh, he starred in Les Héros n’ont ont pas chills watching with Daniel Aute and Gérard Junot, found Colu in Vous n’avez pas l’Alsace et la Lorraine and finally Claude Zid. For a small appearance in Beast But Disciplined (1979). It was Bertrand Tavernier who gave him his first leading role in the film “The Week of Rest” (1980).
In the same year, he was the protagonist of the miniseries La traque sur le gang des Lyonnais, then directed a comedy (Really Wise!), a drama (A Strange Case) and a thriller (Cry Gang). These last two films earned him a César nomination for Best Supporting Actor and one for Best Actor.
Comfortable in all genres, from romantic films to comedies, thrillers and dramas, Yves Boisse’s Le Prix du danger allowed him to establish himself as a leading film actor with subsequent titles such as Ronde de nuit or Les Spécialistes making him a star.
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.