Fernandel_

Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (French pronunciation: [fɛʁnɑ̃ ʒozɛf deziʁe kɔ̃tɑ̃dɛ̃]; 8 May 1903 – 26 February 1971), better known as Fernandel ([fɛʁnɑ̃dɛl]), was a French comic actor. Born in Marseille, France, to Désirée Bedouin and Denis Contandin, originating in Perosa Argentina, a town located in the province of Turin, Italy, he became a comedy star, first gaining 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").