**Claude Laydu (1927-2011)** was a French actor, primarily remembered for his unforgettable performance in Robert Bresson's masterpiece film, *Journal d'un curé de campagne* (1951).

In the role of the young priest of Ambricourt, Laydu embodied with poignant intensity the character's spirituality, suffering, and inner doubt. His performance, characterized by measured, almost ascetic acting, perfectly reflected Bresson's anti-psychological approach, which favored actors with a refined technique. This role earned him the Grand Prize for Best Performance at the Venice Film Festival.

Although he did not have a long or prolific film career after this dazzling debut, he appeared in a few other significant titles, such as Claude Autant-Lara's *Le Blé en herbe* (1954). Laydu remains an icon of auteur cinema for his singular and profound Bressonian performance.