Written by: Penelope Wildwood

Herv Villechaize: The Enigmatic Actor and Painter

With a charismatic presence and an unmistakable voice, Herv Villechaize cemented his place in popular culture as the evil henchman Nick Nack in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, and as Mr. Roarke's loyal assistant, Tattoo, on the American television series Fantasy Island (1977-1983). The iconic catchphrase "De plane! De plane!" still resonates with audiences today.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born on April 23, 1943, in Nazi-occupied Paris, Villechaize was the youngest of four sons to Evelyn, an Anglo-Italian socialite, and Andr Villechaize, a surgeon in Toulon. He was born with dwarfism, likely due to an endocrine disorder, which his surgeon father attempted to cure in several institutions. Villechaize found solace in painting, and his talent led him to study art at the cole des Beaux-Arts in 1959.

Rise to Fame

Villechaize initially worked as an artist, painter, and photographer. He began acting in Off-Broadway productions, including Werner Liepolts The Young Master Dante and a play by Sam Shepard. He also modeled for photos for National Lampoon before moving on to film. His first film appearance was in Chappaqua (1966), followed by Edward Summers Item 72D The Adventures of Spa and Fon (1969). These early roles paved the way for his breakout performances.

Signature Roles

• The Man with the Golden Gun (1974): Villechaize's portrayal of Nick Nack, the villainous henchman, earned him international recognition and solidified his status as a Hollywood actor.
• Fantasy Island (1977-1983): As Tattoo, Villechaize became an integral part of the beloved television series, charming audiences with his wit and iconic phrase, "De plane! De plane!"

Awards and Honors

Villechaize received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Fantasy Island and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979.

Beyond the Silver Screen

Aside from his acting career, Villechaize was an accomplished painter and artist. He became the youngest artist to have his work displayed in the Museum of Paris in 1961.

Personal Life and Legacy

Villechaize struggled with personal demons and tragically took his own life on September 4, 1993. His legacy as a talented artist and actor continues to inspire fans, and his iconic roles remain etched in popular culture.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Villechaize insisted on being called a "midget" rather than a "dwarf," which sparked a controversy with Billy Barty, an activist who found the term derogatory.
• He was fluent in French, English, and Italian.
• Villechaize was a talented musician and played the accordion and guitar.

Herv Villechaize's enigmatic presence and multifaceted talents have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to captivate audiences, inspiring new generations of artists and actors.