Gérard Darrieu (1925–2004) was a prolific French actor whose career spanned over fifty years, establishing himself as one of the most recognizable and acclaimed character actors in his country. He worked with many of the most prominent French directors, including Jean-Pierre Melville, Costa-Gavras, Bertrand Tavernier, Henri Verneuil, and Claude Chabrol. Among his more than 150 film and television appearances, notable roles include those in classic films such as Jacques Becker's *The Hole* (1960), Melville's *Army of Shadows* (1969), and Tavernier's *The Judge and the Assassin* (1976). He is also known for his presence in the *Gendarme of Saint-Tropez* film series. Alongside his film work, he maintained an active stage career, culminating in 1991 with his win of the prestigious Molière Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in *L'Annonce faite à Marie*. His versatility made him an essential figure in French cinema during the second half of the 20th century.