Louis Jourdan was born Louis Robert Gendre in Marseille, France to Yvonne (née Jourdan),a mother of French descent, and Henry Gendre, a hotel owner. He was raised in France, Britain, and Turkey, receiving a well-rounded education that would later serve him well in his acting career. Under the guidance of renowned acting coach René Simon at the École Dramatique, Jourdan honed his craft, eventually making his screen debut in 1939. He went on to play charming, refined, and debonair lead roles in numerous French romantic comedies and dramas, solidifying his status as a leading man in the French film industry.
However, Jourdan's life took a dramatic turn during World War II, when his father, the manager of the prestigious Cannes Grand Hôtel, was arrested by the Gestapo. In response, Louis and his two brothers, Pierre Jourdan and Robert Gendre, who would both go on to become film directors, joined the French Resistance. Jourdan's film career came to a halt when he refused to participate in Nazi propaganda films, a courageous decision that would have far-reaching consequences.
In 1948, Jourdan received an invitation from David O. Selznick to appear in the critically acclaimed film The Paradine Case (1947). This marked the beginning of his Hollywood career, which would span several decades. He went on to star in a string of successful films, including Gigi (1958),his most iconic role by American audiences. Jourdan also made numerous appearances on American television, further cementing his status as a beloved and respected actor.
Tragically, Louis Jourdan passed away at his home in Beverly Hills, California in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come. At the age of 93, he had lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a body of work that would continue to entertain and inspire audiences around the world.
