Xavier Gélin

Born:June 21, 1946

Place of Birth:Paris, France

Died:July 2, 1999

Known For:Acting

Biography

Xavier Gélin, born on June 21, 1946, into a family deeply rooted in the French film industry, inherited a passion for acting. His father, the renowned French film star Daniel Gélin, and his mother, the talented actress-producer Danièle Delorme, paved the way for his successful career. Growing up surrounded by such talent, it was no surprise that Xavier found his calling in the world of cinema.

Throughout his career, Xavier Gélin became a familiar face in popular French cinema, captivating audiences with his performances for over three decades. He showcased his versatility by taking on various supporting roles in more than 20 films, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. His collaboration with acclaimed directors such as Gerard Oury, Claude Lelouche, and Claude Pinoteau contributed to the richness of French cinema.

One of Xavier Gélin's notable roles was in Gerard Oury's 1973 comedy classic "The Adventures of Rabbi Jacob," where he shared the screen with the iconic Louis de Funès. His presence in films like Claude Lelouche's "Adventure, It's Adventure" and Phillippe de Broca's "The Devil by the Tail" added depth to the narratives, showcasing his talent as a versatile actor who could adapt to different genres with ease.

In addition to his work in comedy and drama, Xavier Gélin also made his mark in films like Claude Pinoteau's "The Slap" and "The Party-2," further demonstrating his range as an actor. His ability to immerse himself in diverse characters and bring them to life on screen earned him respect and admiration from both critics and audiences alike.

Tragically, Xavier Gélin's career was cut short when he passed away at the age of 53 after battling cancer. Despite his untimely departure, his contributions to French cinema continue to be celebrated, and his legacy lives on through the timeless performances he delivered throughout his career. Xavier Gélin's dedication to his craft and his commitment to storytelling left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, ensuring that he will always be remembered as a talented actor who left a lasting impact on the silver screen.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob

Alexandre, general's son

1973

In this riot of frantic disguises and mistaken identities, Victor Pivert, a blustering, bigoted French factory owner, finds himself taken hostage by Slimane, an Arab rebel leader. The two dress up as rabbis as they try to elude not only assasins from Slimane's country, but also the police, who think Pivert is a murderer. Pivert ends up posing as Rabbi Jacob, a beloved figure who's returned to France for his first visit after 30 years in the United States. Adding to the confusion are Pivert's dentist-wife, who thinks her husband is leaving her for another woman, their daughter, who's about to get married, and a Parisian neighborhood filled with people eager to celebrate the return of Rabbi Jacob.

Production

The Woman in Red

Associate Producer

1984

When a happily married family man, who would never consider an affair, meets a beautiful woman in red, he is totally infatuated and desperate to make her acquaintance. However, as he tries out various schemes to sneak out to meet her, he realizes that adultery is not quite as easy as it looks.