Claude Giraud, a celebrated and accomplished French actor, whose remarkable career spanned multiple decades, was born on February 5, 1936, in the charming town of Chamalières.
Tania Balachova, a renowned acting coach, played a pivotal role in Giraud's initial foray into the world of acting, as he embarked on his artistic journey by studying under her tutelage at the esteemed Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier.
Subsequently, Giraud expanded his skill set by enrolling in courses at the École de la rue Blanche, where he had the privilege of learning from the experienced Berthe Bovy and Jean Meyer.
Furthermore, Giraud's pursuit of excellence led him to the CNSAD Conservatoire national supérieur d'art dramatique, where he honed his craft under the guidance of the accomplished Jean Debucourt and Fernand Ledoux.
Through these rigorous training programs, Giraud was able to refine his acting abilities and lay the foundation for a successful career in the entertainment industry.
In the year 1962, a significant milestone was achieved by a remarkable individual, marking a historic first as the inaugural male student to excel in all three categories within the esteemed Concourse, thereby earning the prestigious Prix Gérard Philipe.
Subsequently, he was engaged as a pensionnaire at the renowned Comédie Française, where he had the opportunity to portray a diverse range of roles, including the esteemed character of Valère in Molière's timeless masterpiece, The Miser, as well as the pivotal role of Arsace in Corneille's celebrated play, Bérénice.
The individual's tenure at the prestigious Comédie Française was marked by a sense of discontent, as he was consistently cast in minor roles. Feeling unfulfilled and eager to explore new creative avenues, he made the decision to depart from the esteemed institution after a relatively short period of time.
In his pursuit of a career in film, he landed the leading role of Capitaine Langlois in the movie adaptation of Jean Giono's esteemed novel, A King Without Distraction. Directed by François Leterrier, this cinematic endeavour showcased his versatility as an actor.
Additionally, he took on the iconic role of Oedipus in the film adaptation of Jean Cocteau's thought-provoking play, The Infernal Machine.
Giraud embarked on a prestigious US tour with the renowned Compagnie Marie Bell, captivating audiences with his impressive performances in the classic plays Phèdre and Bérénice, ultimately receiving the esteemed Theater World Award for his outstanding portrayal of the complex characters.
Meanwhile, he ventured into the world of cinema, landing a significant role as the soldier Georges in Roger Vadim's cinematic adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's provocative play La Ronde, later re-titled Circle of Love, a film that brought to life the Austrian author's scandalous and controversial work.
From 1964 to 1966, Giraud took on the pivotal role of Philippe de Plessis-Bellières in a trilogy of Angélique films, sharing the spotlight with the talented Michèle Mercier. Following this stint, Giraud made his way back to the esteemed Comédie Française in 1972, ultimately earning the distinction of becoming the 460th sociétaire in 1976. However, his tenure at this iconic institution came to an end in 1982, when he departed to join the newly established Théâtre Hébertot, led by the visionary Jean-Laurent Cochet.
Noted French actor, Giraud, achieved widespread recognition and acclaim through his captivating performances in various television series, most notably his portrayal of the intriguing characters Morgan/Jacques de Saint-Hermine in the thrilling adventure series "Les Compagnons de Jéhu", d'Aulnay in the dramatic adaptation "Adolphe ou l'âge tendre", and the iconic Sir Roger Mortimer in the epic historical series "Les rois maudits". Furthermore, he also made significant appearances in television movies, including the memorable "Mamie Rose" and the action-packed "Mathias Sandorf".
Catherine Marquand, a talented fellow acting student, became the loving wife of Giraud in 1963, marking the beginning of a beautiful personal life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they welcomed two precious children, Louis and Marianne, who would go on to follow in their parents' footsteps and pursue careers in the entertainment industry.
