Michel Serrault (January 24, 1928 – July 29, 2007) was a prominent French actor renowned for his extensive work in both theatre and film, with a career that spanned over five decades and included more than 130 films.
Serrault's journey in the performing arts began in 1948 when he joined Robert Dhéry's theatrical troupe in the production of Les Branquignols. His film debut came in 1954 with Ah! Les belles bacchantes, alongside notable actors such as Colette Brosset and Louis de Funès, under the direction of Jean Loubignac. He gained critical acclaim for his role in the 1955 suspense classic Les diaboliques, featuring Simone Signoret and directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot.
From February 1973 to 1978, Serrault captivated audiences as Albin/Zaza in the groundbreaking play La cage aux folles, written by Jean Poiret. He later reprised this iconic role for the film adaptation released in 1978. Additionally, in 1977-1978, he portrayed the celebrated composer Jacques Offenbach in a six-part television series that highlighted various facets of the musician's life.
Serrault passed away at the age of 79 due to relapsing polychondritis at his home in Équemauville. He was laid to rest in Sainte-Catherine's cemetery in Honfleur, and later moved to Neuilly-sur-Seine in 2009 to be interred alongside his wife Juanita Saint-Peyron and their daughter Caroline, who had died in 1977. He is also survived by his daughter, actress Nathalie Serrault.
