Michel Simon (1895-1975) was a Swiss actor, an imposing and unmistakable figure of 20th-century French cinema. Known for his magnetic stage presence and expressive face, he often portrayed complex characters: eccentric, gruff, sometimes grotesque or cynical, but always with a profound humanity.

His film career is studded with unforgettable roles. He reached his peak with directors such as Jean Renoir in *La Chienne* (1931) and *Boudu Saved from Drowning* (1932), where he embodied unconventional figures. Other iconic performances include Captain Père Jules in Jean Vigo's *L'Atalante* (1934) and Zabel in Marcel Carné's *Port of Shadows* (1938), pillars of French poetic realism. Up to his last acclaimed performance in *The Two of Us* (1967), Simon demonstrated extraordinary versatility, solidifying his status as a screen legend.