Bernard Dhéran, a French actor of international renown, has been a ubiquitous presence in the country's theatrical and cinematic landscape for decades. With a career spanning over 70 years, he has interpreted dozens of plays, sometimes directing himself, and appeared in an impressive 112 films, TV movies, and series. His distinctive voice, commanding presence, and elegance, whether playing a hero or a villain, are unmistakable.
Born Bernard Poulain in Dieppe in 1926, Dhéran was raised in Rouen and began taking drama classes at the age of 14, after the Nazis invaded France. His passion for acting grew, and he never relinquished his grip on it, making his debut in "Hamlet" in 1946 and winning a second prize at the Conservatoire de Paris the following year.
Dhéran's career has been marked by his association with the Comédie Française, where he spent nearly 30 years, performing in plays by Molière, Corneille, Mirbeau, Montherlant, Camus, Billetdoux, Poiret, and many others. He has also been acclaimed in recent years for his performances in plays like "Toc Toc" by Laurent Baffie.
While Dhéran has worked extensively in film, he has not been limited to the big screen. He has also made numerous television appearances, often favoring more rewarding roles in TV productions. His versatility has allowed him to switch between iconic characters from French history, such as Buckingham and Richelieu, to more contemporary roles.
Despite his extensive filmography, only a few of his cinematic endeavors stand out, including "La belle Américaine" (1962),"Le silencieux" (1972),and "Ridicule" (1995). Dhéran has also appeared in Claude Berri's "Ensemble c'est tout" (2007),where he played the picturesque father of colorful Laurent Stocker.
Now 97 years old, Dhéran remains active and passionate about his craft, with a dedication to his art that commands respect. Throughout his long and illustrious career, he has left an indelible mark on the French entertainment industry, and his name may not be widely recognized, but his presence and legacy certainly are.
