Pascal Lamorisse, a renowned actor and film restorer, was born in 1950 in the vibrant city of Paris, France. This talented individual is most famously recognized for his captivating performance as the young boy chasing a red balloon through the picturesque streets and alleys of the 20th arrondissement, specifically the Ménilmontant district, in the iconic short film "The Red Balloon" (1956).
Directed by his father, the accomplished filmmaker Albert Lamorisse (1922-1970),and co-starring one of his sisters, Sabine Lamorisse, the little girl with the blue balloon, Pascal's experience acting in this 34-minute masterpiece was nothing short of enchanting. He described the experience as pure magic.
"The Red Balloon" (1956) received widespread acclaim, taking home the short film award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and earning an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Pascal's performances in his father's productions didn't stop there, as he appeared in two more of his father's films.
Tragedy struck when Pascal's father, Albert Lamorisse, was killed in a helicopter crash while filming a documentary near Teheran, Iran, in 1970. In the wake of this devastating loss, Pascal dedicated his life to carrying on his father's legacy. He took the reins of his father's film company, Films Montsouris, and embarked on the monumental task of restoring the films in its library.
Today, the popularity of these films continues to endure, with many still being screened globally. Pascal Lamorisse's dedication to his father's mission has ensured that the films remain a testament to their enduring appeal, captivating audiences for generations to come.