Maurice Ronet (1927-1983) was one of the most representative French actors of his generation, known for his melancholic elegance and his ability to embody complex characters. His film career took off with significant roles, such as the tragic Julian Tavernier in *Ascenseur pour l'échafaud* (Louis Malle, 1958).

He solidified his reputation with the Machiavellian Philippe Greenleaf in *Plein soleil* (René Clément, 1960), alongside Alain Delon. But it was the role of Alain Leroy, the suicidal intellectual in *Le feu follet* (Louis Malle, 1963), that defined his image as a tormented and disillusioned man, considered by many to be his most emblematic performance.

He often collaborated with Claude Chabrol (*Le scandale*, *Betty*) and reunited with Delon in *La Piscine* (Jacques Deray, 1969). His style was characterized by a restrained yet intense acting, which allowed him to express deep inner turmoil behind a refined facade.