Louis Jourdan brought to Hollywood, a snatch of French refinement and called himself a French cliche for a good reason. Remembered for his role in the 1958 musical classic Gigi, he died in California at the age of 93. From a sunny French gentleman, he later graduated to darker roles and even played the villain in the 1983 Bond film Octopussy. He also played Dracula in a 1977 film and a psychopathic killer in the 1956 film Julie.
Born Louis Gendre in 1921, the actor owing to his classic charm was often typecast in films but tried to experiment when he could. His cinematic journey began in his father’s seaside hotel in Cannes, where he met actors and directors who inspired him to pursue drama.
Some of his co-stars included legends like Joan Fontaine, Jennifer Jones, Grace Kelly and Shirley MacLaine and he has two stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and in 2010, was given France’s highest honour, Legion D’Honneur.