Actor, comedian, director ... Throughout his life, Michael Lonsdale has scoured film sets, boards and offered his voice to a large number of projects.
He died Monday at the age of 89, after having rubbed shoulders with the greatest such Orson Wells, Romy Schneider, Louis de Funès and Roger Moore.
To read also: Death of Michael Lonsdale, the most mystical actor, at 89 years old
“It's simple, this shoot is one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Not from my professional life, but from my life in general. This actor was a delight ”
, confided to
Figaro
Xavier Beauvois, director of
Men and Gods
in which Michael Lonsdale plays Brother Luc, one of the eight French monks of the monastery of Tibéhirine.
He had also received the first Caesar of his career for the best supporting role.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Michael Lonsdale today. Under the name of Hugo Drax, he was a cultivated opponent of 007 in
Moonraker
”
, tweeted the heirs of Roger Moore, interpreter of James Bond in the years 1970-1980.
In a long series of tweets, the essayist Gilles Jacob also paid tribute to a
"rare actor, a gentleman and a kind man"
.
"Lonsdale is not only the voice but also the draw, the silhouette, the carcass, a gangly way of dragging all the heaviness in the world, and doing a pirouette, pftt ... It was me, ne don't pay attention, I just passed by.
Hi, Michael, farewell master, ”
also wrote the former president of the Cannes Film Festival.
“Both the face of cinema, but also that of the theater, Michaël Lonsdale was a sacred monster, a demiurge with an exceptional career. Eternal eclectic, his thunderous voice resonated as well in avant-garde productions as in lighter and funnier creations. He knew how to play everything, interpret everything, ”
said Jack Lang.
“Michael Lonsdale loved culture and art in all its forms.
A brilliant writer and dreamy painter, he always dazzled us.
Carnivore of words and esthete of language, more than anything, he loved to proclaim the texts of Samuel Beckett, of whom he was one of the most illustrious servants, ”
adds the former Minister of Culture, citing:
“ words, words, mine was never more than that, that jumbled up the babel of silences and words, mine of life ... ”.
The mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo evokes a
"deep emotion"
.
“Comedian with such a rich cinematographic and theatrical career.
I send all my thoughts to her family and loved ones, ”
she added.
Nikos Aliagas honored Michael Lonsdale, the
“pilgrim actor”
.
On Sunday, Cardinal Barbarin gave him the sacrament of the sick:
“A real comfort in his suffering.
He was really happy about it!
Thank you in particular for giving us the face of Brother Luc de Tibéhirine so well! ”
“Huge actor, and a special place in French cinema. With a unique, deep, overwhelming role, embodying faith and passion, in
"Of men and gods",
"
wrote former Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
The National Audiovisual Institute shared an interview from 2010 in which Michael Lonsdale reviewed the success of
Men and Gods
.
“Michael Lonsdale had that extra soul that made what he did bright and deep, like an island of humility and generosity in a noisy and individualistic world. He will be missed in French cinema and theater, ”
underlined Bruno Retailleau.
