Philippe deGonzague, the ruthless and cunning villain of André Hunebelle's 1959 film adaptation of Paul Féval's 'LeBossu', was brought to life with chilling effectiveness by the talented François Chaumette. His piercing gaze, sly smile, and menacing demeanor left a lasting impression on audiences, cementing his status as a formidable screen presence.
Unfortunately, Chaumette's impressive performance in 'LeBossu' was not followed by a prolific career in film. After making eleven films between 1957 and 1961, he would only appear in sixteen more films until his untimely death from cancer in 1996. This scarcity of screen appearances was largely due to his remarkable success in the theater, where he enjoyed a long and illustrious career spanning five decades, from his debut in Jean Giraudoux's 'Sodome et Gomorrhe' in 1943 to his eventual passing.
Chaumette's impressive theatrical career was punctuated by notable performances in works by esteemed directors such as Alain Robbe-Grillet, Claude Sautet, and Andrzej Zulawski. He was also a staple of French television, appearing in a wide range of productions, including filmed plays, serials, TV movies, and historical dramas. One of his most memorable television roles was as the villainous Boris Williams in Claude Barma's iconic series 'Belphégor', a character that showcased his mastery of the dark and sinister.
