Fernandel
ActingAbout Fernandel
Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (8 May 1903 – 26 February 1971), better known as Fernandel, was a French actor and singer. Born in Marseille, France, to Désirée Bedouin and Denis Contandin, originating in Perosa Argentina, an Occitan town located in the province of Turin. He was a comedy star who first gained popularity in French vaudeville, operettas, and music-hall revues. His stage name originated from his marriage to Henriette Manse, the sister of his best friend and frequent cinematic collaborator Jean Manse. So attentive was he to his wife that his mother-in-law amusingly referred to him as Fernand d'elle ("Fernand of her"). (Wikipedia)
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Fernandel reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Fernandel's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 96% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Fernandel remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Irma la voyante, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Fernandel Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Fernandel's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Fernandel.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | L'Âge d'or de la pub | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | Les Rois de la comédie | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Le Petit Monde de Fernandel | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | The Phoney War | Self - Actor (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | 1958: Those Who Said No | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Fernandel c'est moi | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Happy He Who Like Ulysses | Antonin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Don Camillo in Moscow | Don Camillo Tarocci | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | My Wife's Husband | Fernand Jouvin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Good King Dagobert | M. Pelletan / Le roi Dagobert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Trip to Biarritz | Guillaume Dodut | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | The Changing of the Guard | Attilio Capellaro | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Dynamite Jack | Dynamite Jack / Antoine Espérandieu | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Last Judgment | The widower | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Don Camillo: Monsignor | Don Camillo Tarocci | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Cow and I | Charles Bailly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Law Is the Law | Ferdinand Pastorelli | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Sénéchal the Magnificent | François, Lucien Sénéchal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Around the World in 80 Days | French Coachman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Don Camillo's Last Round | Don Camillo Tarocci | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Return of Don Camillo | Don Camillo Tarocci | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Carnival | Dardamelle | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Wild Oat | Félicien Hébrard, Valorgue baker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | French Touch | Mario Marius | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Little World of Don Camillo | Don Camillo Tarocci | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Red Inn | The Monk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Hunting Ground | Urbain Coindet, paysan et conseiller municipal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Topaze | Albert Topaze | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Three Sinners | Noël Annequin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Si ça peut vous faire plaisir | Martial Gonfaron | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Emile the African | Emile Boulard | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Irma la voyante | Irma / Le client | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | St. Val's Mystery | Désiré Le Sec | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Hoboes in Paradise | Pons | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | A Dog's Life | Gustave Bourdillon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Acrobat | Ernest Sauce | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Little Nothings | Astier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Well-Digger's Daughter | Félipe Rambert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Tricoche and Cacolet | Tricoche | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Heartbeat | Irénée Fabre, 'le Schpountz' | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Harvest | Urbain Gedemus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Life Dances On | Fabien Coutissol | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Josette | Albert Durandal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Ferdinand the Roisterer | Ferdinand Piat | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Angele | Saturnin | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Les Bleus de la marine | Lafraise | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Amorous Garrison | Frédéric, rider | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Bread Peddler | Billenbuis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Darling of Paris | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | I have something to tell you | l'amant qui s'est trompé d'étage | Hit | Similar → |
Fernandel - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Fernandel?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Fernandel is "Irma la voyante" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Fernandel acted in?
Fernandel has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Fernandel?
Other notable films include "Fernandel c'est moi", "1958: Those Who Said No", and "The Phoney War".