A French actor and screenwriter who starred in over 80 films, including Hollywood productions, and wrote screenplays for several movies, earning him a reputation as a versatile and prolific artist.
Jean-Pierre Aumont was a French actor renowned for his dashing good looks, captivating stage presence, and remarkable film career spanning over five decades. He is best known for his iconic roles in films like La Machine Infernale and The Cross of Lorraine, as well as his bravery and service during World War II, which earned him the prestigious Légion d'Honneur and Croix de Guerre.
Born Jean-Pierre Philippe Salomons on January 5, 1911, in Paris, France, Aumont was the son of actress Suzanne Cahen and Alexandre Salomons, owner of a linen department store. His mother's uncle, Georges Berr, was a well-known stage actor, and his younger brother, François Villiers, would go on to become a celebrated French film director.
Aumont began studying drama at the Paris Conservatory at the age of 16, following in his mother's footsteps. He made his professional stage debut at 19 and appeared in his first film, Jean de la Lune, in 1931. However, it was his role in Jean Cocteau's play La Machine Infernale in 1934 that truly launched his career.
When World War II broke out, Aumont remained in France until 1942, when he realized he had to flee the Nazi occupation due to his Jewish heritage. He escaped to New York City and then to Hollywood, where he began working for MGM. After completing The Cross of Lorraine, he joined the Free French Forces and was sent to North Africa, participating in Operation Torch in Tunisia.
Aumont was wounded twice during the war, once on a mission with his brother and again when his Jeep was blown up near a landmined bridge, resulting in the death of General Diego Brosset, commander of the 1st Free French Division. For his bravery, Aumont was awarded the Légion d'Honneur and the Croix de Guerre.
After the war, Aumont returned to acting, appearing in films like Flesh and Blood and Lili. He continued to work in both French and American cinema, earning several award nominations and wins throughout his career.
Aumont was also a prolific writer, publishing several novels and autobiographical works, including Le Soleil et les Ombres and Une Si Belle Vie. He passed away on January 30, 2001, leaving behind a legacy as a brave war hero and a talented actor, writer, and director.
Aumont was married three times and had two children, including a daughter, Dominique Aumont, who became an actress in her own right.
Did you know that Aumont's film debut, Jean de la Lune, was directed by Jean Choux, a pioneering French filmmaker?
Jean-Pierre Aumont's remarkable life and career continue to inspire generations of actors, writers, and directors, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of cinema.
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