Michel Blanc (1952-2024) was one of the most beloved and versatile actors, directors, and screenwriters in French cinema. He first emerged as a founding member of the famous comedy troupe Le Splendid, gaining national fame for his iconic role as Jean-Claude Dusse, the clumsy and unlucky seducer, in the cult saga Les Bronzés (French Fried Vacation). Although initially known for his comedic, neurotic, and "loser" characters, he demonstrated extraordinary dramatic depth, winning the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his subversive role in Bertrand Blier's Tenue de soirée (Ménage, 1986). Simultaneously, he built a highly successful career as a director and screenwriter, helming acclaimed films like Marche à l'ombre (1984) and winning a Best Screenplay Award at Cannes for Grosse fatigue (Dead Tired, 1994) and a César Award for Embrassez qui vous voudrez (Summer Things, 2002), establishing himself as a central and complete figure in French cinema.