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)
Fernandel Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Fernandel reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Fernandel's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 96% of Fernandel's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Irma la voyante, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Fernandel Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Fernandel's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Fernandel has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | L'Âge d'or de la pub | Self (archive footage) | 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 → |
| 1957 | The Man in the Raincoat | Albert Constantin | Average | 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 | Hit | 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".