Charles Vanel was a French actor who embarked on a remarkable 76-year film career, spanning from 1912 to 1988, with an impressive total of over 200 films under his belt.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vanel had the privilege of working with renowned directors such as Luis Buñuel, Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jacques Feyder, and Alfred Hitchcock, among others.
One of his most notable roles was as truck driver Jo in the 1953 thriller film "The Wages of Fear", which was a massive commercial success in France, earning the 4th highest box office revenue of the year. The film also won both the Golden Bear and the Palme d'Or.
Vanel's outstanding performance in the drama film "L'affaire Maurizius" (1954) earned him the Best Actor award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where he played the role of Wolf Andergast.
In addition to his notable roles, Vanel also had a supporting part in the thriller film "To Catch a Thief" (1955),where he portrayed restaurant owner Monsieur Bertani, a veteran of the French Resistance.
Vanel's impressive performance in the thriller film "Burning Fuse" (1957) earned him the Best Actor award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, where he played the role of Albatrasse.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Vanel received a Honorary César Award in 1979 and the Best Supporting Actor award at the David Di Donatello Awards in 1981, for his role as pater familias Donato Giuranna in the drama film "Three Brothers".
Vanel's last film role was in the 1988 film "Les Saisons du plaisir", and he passed away in April 1989, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of his remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.
