Maurice Barrier

Biography

Maurice Barrier (June 8, 1932 – April 12, 2020) was a prominent French actor and singer whose career spanned several decades. Born to a cabinetmaker, Maurice began his professional journey working in his father's workshop. At the age of 28, while in Rennes, he encountered a group of actors from the Théâtre National de Bretagne, which inspired him to make his theatrical debut in Albert Camus' production of Caligula.

Barrier's television breakthrough came with his role in the acclaimed film The Taking of Power by Louis XIV. He went on to star in notable films such as The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe, Two Men in Town, Black and White in Color, Coup de tête, and Flic Story. Throughout his career, he shared the screen with illustrious actors including Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Gabin, Alain Delon, Pierre Richard, Gérard Depardieu, and Gérard Jugnot.

In his personal life, Maurice was married to actress Hélène Manesse, and the couple lived in Montréal, France from 1962 until his passing. Barrier died on April 12, 2020, in Montbard at the age of 87 due to complications from COVID-19, leaving behind a rich legacy in the French film and theater industry.