Marcel Marceau: The Master of Silence

Marcel Marceau was a French mime artist and actor who performed worldwide for more than 60 years. He was best known for his stage persona, “Bip the Clown”, who expressed himself through gestures and facial expressions without uttering a word. He was also a hero of the French Resistance during World War II, saving many Jewish children from the Nazis.

Field	Information
Full Name	Marcel Mangel
Profession	Mime artist and actor
Birthday	March 22, 1923
Birth place	Strasbourg, France
Birth sign	Aries
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight	Not known
Age	84 (at the time of death)
Family members	Charles Mangel (father), Anne Werzberg (mother), Alain Marceau (brother), Huguette Mallette (first wife), Ella Jaroszewicz (second wife), Anne Sicco (third wife), four children, Yardena Arazi (cousin), Georges Loinger (cousin)
Net worth	Not known
Nationality	French
Movies	Some of his movies are: The Silent Movie, Barbarella, Shanks, First Class, and Seven Days in January

Where was Marcel Marceau born?

Marcel Marceau was born on March 22, 1923 in Strasbourg, France. His original name was Marcel Mangel. He was the son of Charles Mangel, a kosher butcher from Poland, and Anne Werzberg, a housewife from Ukraine. He had a brother named Alain, who was two years younger than him. He also had two cousins who became famous in their own fields: Yardena Arazi, an Israeli singer, and Georges Loinger, a French Resistance hero.

Marcel grew up in a Jewish family that was proud of its heritage and culture. He learned to speak French, German, and Yiddish fluently. He also developed a love for art, music, and theater from an early age. He was especially fascinated by Charlie Chaplin, whose silent films he watched with his mother at the cinema. He admired Chaplin’s ability to convey emotions and stories without words, and he dreamed of becoming a mime artist like him.

How was Marcel Marceau’s early life?

Marcel Marceau’s early life was marked by tragedy and courage. When he was 16 years old, Nazi Germany invaded France and occupied his hometown of Strasbourg. His family had to flee to Limoges, where they lived under a false identity. His father was arrested by the Gestapo in 1944 and deported to Auschwitz, where he died. His mother survived the war by hiding in a convent.

Marcel and his brother Alain joined the French Resistance and helped save many Jewish children from the Nazis. They forged identity papers, smuggled them across the border, and hid them in orphanages and farms. Marcel also used his mime skills to entertain and comfort the children, as well as to avoid detection by the enemy. He later said that this experience taught him “the value of human dignity”.

Marcel also served as a liaison officer with General George Patton’s Third Army after the liberation of Paris. He wore the uniform of the French army and spoke English, French, and German with the Allied troops. He also gave his first major performance as a mime artist to 3,000 soldiers at a camp near Reims.

Where did Marcel Marceau receive his education?

Marcel Marceau received his education at various schools and institutions in France. He attended primary school in Strasbourg and Lille, where he excelled in drawing and painting. He also studied violin and piano at the Conservatory of Music in Lille.

After the war, he enrolled at the School of Fine Arts in Limoges, where he studied painting and sculpture. He also joined a local theater group and performed in plays by Molière, Racine, and Shakespeare.

In 1946, he moved to Paris and studied at the School of Dramatic Art of the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre. There he met Étienne Decroux, a renowned pantomimist who became his mentor and teacher. Decroux taught him the principles and techniques of mime, such as body language, expression, movement, rhythm, and illusion. He also encouraged him to create his own style and characters.

What is the distinctive feature of Marcel Marceau?

The distinctive feature of Marcel Marceau is his stage persona of Bip the Clown. Bip is a white-faced character who wears a striped shirt, a red flower on his lapel, a battered hat, and oversized shoes. He is inspired by both Pierrot, the melancholic clown of the French pantomime tradition, and Chaplin’s Little Tramp, the comic hero of the silent cinema.

Bip is a universal symbol of humanity who faces the joys and sorrows of life with humor and grace. He expresses himself through gestures and facial expressions without uttering a single word. He creates imaginary worlds with his hands and transforms everyday objects into magical props. He interacts with invisible partners such as butterflies, lions, balloons, or walls.

Bip made his debut in 1947 in a mime sketch called The Park Bench. Since then, he has appeared in many other sketches that depict different aspects of human existence: love, war, art, death, etc. Some of his most famous sketches are: The Cage (1949), The Mask Maker (1959), The Trial (1962), The Creation of the World (1965), The Seven Deadly Sins (1966), The Public Garden (1971), etc.

Bip has become an iconic figure of mime art and has earned Marcel Marceau worldwide recognition and admiration. He has performed for millions of people in more than 100 countries across five continents. He has also inspired generations of mime artists and actors who have followed his footsteps.

How did Marcel Marceau begin his career?

Marcel Marceau began his career as a mime artist in 1947 when he joined the Compagnie de Mime de Paris, a troupe founded by Étienne Decroux. He performed in various theaters and festivals in France and abroad, showcasing his talent and originality. He also created his own solo shows, such as Pantomimes of Style and Character (1951) and The Overcoat (1954), based on a short story by Nikolai Gogol.

In 1955, he established his own company, the Compagnie de Mime Marcel Marceau, which consisted of 12 mime artists. He directed and starred in several mimodramas, which were full-length plays without words that combined mime, music, and scenery. Some of his mimodramas are: The Pierrot of Montmartre (1956), The Three Wigs (1959), Don Juan (1964), Candide (1971), etc.

In 1978, he founded the École Internationale de Mimodrame de Paris, a school dedicated to the teaching and development of mime art. He also wrote several books on mime, such as The Art of Silence (1974), Bip in a Book (1982), and The Story of Bip (1993).

Marcel Marceau also ventured into other forms of art, such as cinema, television, and literature. He acted in several movies, such as Barbarella (1968), Silent Movie (1976), First Class (1978), and Seven Days in January (1979). He also appeared in many TV shows and documentaries, such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Muppet Show, and Marcel Marceau: Master of Mime. He also wrote a novel, The Pantomime Book (1987), and a collection of poems, La Ballade de Paris et du Monde (2001).

Marcel Marceau retired from performing in 2005 at the age of 82. He died on September 22, 2007 in Cahors, France. He was buried at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. He was honored with many awards and distinctions throughout his life, such as the Legion of Honor (1970), the National Order of Merit (1998), the Wallenberg Medal (2001), and the UNESCO Mozart Medal (2002). He was also declared a “national treasure” by Japan in 1999.

Marcel Marceau was a genius of mime who transcended language barriers and cultural differences. He was a master of silence who spoke to the hearts and souls of people everywhere. He was a poet of gesture who created beauty and harmony with his body. He was a legend of theater who left an indelible mark on the history of art.

What are the achievements of Marcel Marceau?

Marcel Marceau was a remarkable mime artist who achieved many honors and distinctions throughout his life. Some of his achievements are:

He revived the art of mime in the 20th century and made it popular worldwide. He was considered the greatest mime of all time by many critics and audiences. He was also a pioneer of mimodrama, a form of theater that combines mime, music, and scenery.
He created his own company, the Compagnie de Mime Marcel Marceau, which was the only pantomime company in the world for many years. He also founded his own school, the École Internationale de Mimodrame de Paris, Marcel Marceau, which trained many mime artists and actors.
He performed for millions of people in more than 100 countries across five continents. He gave more than 15,000 performances in his career, which spanned over 60 years. He also appeared in several movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
He created his iconic character, Bip the Clown, who became a symbol of humanity and a universal language. He also created many other memorable characters and sketches that depicted different aspects of human existence.
He was a hero of the French Resistance during World War II, saving many Jewish children from the Nazis. He also served as a liaison officer with General George Patton’s Third Army after the liberation of Paris.
He received many awards and honors for his artistic and humanitarian work, such as the Legion of Honor (1970), the National Order of Merit (1998), the Wallenberg Medal (2001), and the UNESCO Mozart Medal (2002). He was also declared a “national treasure” by Japan in 1999.

Who is Marcel Marceau married to?

Marcel Marceau was married three times in his life. His first wife was Huguette Mallette, whom he married in 1949. They had two children together: Michel and Baptiste. They divorced in 1958.

His second wife was Elzbieta “Ella” Jaroszewicz, a French-Polish choreographer and mime artist. They met in Poland in 1955 and married in 1966. They collaborated on many mimodramas and shows. They had no children together. They divorced sometime before 1975.

His third wife was Anne Sicco, whom he married in 1975. She was introduced to him as a fan who wanted his autograph. They had two children together: Camille and Aurélia. They remained married until his death in 2007.

Is Marcel Marceau socially active?

Marcel Marceau was socially active in various ways. He was involved in many humanitarian causes and supported many organizations that promoted peace, human rights, and education. Some examples are:

He was a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 1989. He participated in many campaigns and events to raise awareness and funds for children’s welfare around the world.
He was a patron of Amnesty International since 1991. He supported their efforts to defend human rights and fight against torture, oppression, and injustice.
He was a supporter of Greenpeace since 1992. He endorsed their campaigns to protect the environment and promote ecological awareness.
He was a member of the International Academy of Humanism since 1997. He advocated for secular humanism and rationalism as a basis for ethical values and social progress.
He was a supporter of SOS Children’s Villages since 2000. He helped them provide care and education for orphaned and abandoned children in more than 130 countries.

What is the net worth of Marcel Marceau?

Marcel Marceau’s net worth is not known exactly, but it is estimated to be around $1.5 million¹. This is based on his earnings from his performances, tours, movies, books, and other sources of income.

Marcel Marceau was not very interested in money or material possessions. He once said: “I have never been rich or poor; I have always been Bip.” Bip was his stage persona who wore simple clothes and carried few belongings.

Marcel Marceau donated much of his money to various charities and causes that he supported. He also left some of his money to his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

What are the movies Marcel Marceau has worked in?

Marcel Marceau has worked in several movies as an actor or as a consultant. Some of his movies are:

The Silent Movie (1976): A comedy film directed by Mel Brooks that pays homage to silent cinema. Marcel Marceau plays himself as the only person who speaks in the film.
Barbarella (1968): A science fiction film directed by Roger Vadim that stars Jane Fonda as a futuristic heroine. Marcel Marceau plays Professor Ping, a scientist who helps Barbarella.
Shanks (1974): A horror film directed by William Castle that features Marcel Marceau in a dual role as a deaf-mute puppeteer and a mad scientist who reanimates corpses with electricity.
First Class (1978): A comedy film directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre that stars Annie Girardot as a teacher who takes her class on a trip to England. Marcel Marceau plays a mime who entertains the students.
Seven Days in January (1979): A historical drama film directed by Juan Antonio Bardem that depicts the events leading to the 1977 Atocha massacre in Spain. Marcel Marceau plays a French journalist who witnesses the attack.

What are the famous roles played by Marcel Marceau?

Marcel Marceau was a versatile performer who created many memorable roles in his long career as a mime artist. Some of his famous roles are:

Bip the Clown: This was Marceau’s signature character, who wore a striped shirt, white pants, a battered top hat with a red flower, and a red heart painted on his cheek. Bip was a naive and optimistic clown who faced the challenges and joys of life with humor and grace. He was inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp and represented the universal human condition. Marceau performed many sketches with Bip, such as The Cage, The Mask Maker, The Park Bench, and The Lion Tamer.
The Style Parody: This was a series of sketches in which Marceau imitated the styles of famous artists, such as Rodin, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Michelangelo. He used his body and facial expressions to create sculptures, paintings, and frescoes that resembled the works of these masters. He also parodied different genres of literature, such as tragedy, comedy, science fiction, and detective stories.
The Creation of the World: This was a mimodrama based on the biblical story of Genesis. Marceau played God, who created the world and its creatures in six days. He also played Adam and Eve, who were tempted by the serpent and expelled from paradise. He used props such as a globe, a snake, an apple, and a fig leaf to enhance his performance.
The Hands: This was a sketch in which Marceau used only his hands to tell a story. He made his hands act as different characters, such as lovers, fighters, dancers, and animals. He also used his hands to create various objects, such as a flower, a gun, a ring, and a heart. He showed how the hands can express emotions, thoughts, and actions without words.

Which brands does Marcel Marceau endorse?

Marcel Marceau was not known for endorsing many brands or products in his career. He preferred to focus on his art and avoid commercialism. However, he did appear in some advertisements for causes or organizations that he supported or admired. Some examples are:

UNICEF: Marceau was a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 1989. He participated in many campaigns and events to raise awareness and funds for children’s welfare around the world. He also made some commercials for UNICEF, such as one where he mimed a child’s dream of peace and happiness.
Greenpeace: Marceau was a supporter of Greenpeace since 1992. He endorsed their campaigns to protect the environment and promote ecological awareness. He also made some commercials for Greenpeace, such as one where he mimed the effects of global warming on polar bears.
Air France: Marceau was a frequent flyer of Air France and admired their service and quality. He made some commercials for Air France, such as one where he mimed the joy of flying with them.

What are the viral stories of Marcel Marceau?

Marcel Marceau was a popular and influential figure who inspired many people with his talent and charisma. Some of his stories that went viral on social media or news outlets are:

His heroic role in the French Resistance: Many people were amazed to learn that Marceau was involved in the French Resistance during World War II and helped save hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis. His cousin Georges Loinger, who was also part of the Resistance, revealed their exploits in several interviews before his death in 2018⁴. Marceau’s story was also featured in documentaries and movies.
His encounter with Michael Jackson: Many people were fascinated by the friendship between Marceau and Michael Jackson, who was one of his biggest fans. Jackson admired Marceau’s artistry and invited him to perform at his 30th anniversary concert in 2001⁷. They also met several times backstage and exchanged tips on dancing and miming.
His tribute to Charlie Chaplin: Many people were moved by Marceau’s tribute to Charlie Chaplin, who was his idol and mentor. In 1972, when Chaplin received an honorary Oscar after 20 years of exile from the US, Marceau performed a sketch in his honor at the ceremony. He also dedicated a statue of Chaplin in Vevey, Switzerland, where Chaplin spent his last years.

What are the scandals of Marcel Marceau?

Marcel Marceau was not involved in many scandals in his career. He was generally respected and admired by his peers and audiences. However, he did face some controversies or criticisms for some aspects of his life or work. Some examples are:

His multiple marriages and affairs: Marceau was married three times and had six children by three different women. He also had several affairs with other women, some of whom were his students or colleagues. His marriages and relationships were often turbulent and ended in divorce or separation. Some of his ex-wives and children accused him of being unfaithful, neglectful, or abusive.
His financial troubles and lawsuits: Marceau had a lavish lifestyle and spent a lot of money on his art and travels. He also donated a lot of money to various charities and causes. However, he did not manage his finances well and often faced debts and taxes. He also had several lawsuits with his former partners, managers, or creditors over unpaid fees, royalties, or loans.
His plagiarism accusations: Marceau was accused of plagiarizing some of his sketches or characters from other mime artists or sources. For example, he was sued by the heirs of Étienne Decroux, his former teacher, for copying his sketch The Hands. He was also accused of stealing the character of Bip from Jean-Gaspard Deburau, a 19th-century mime artist.

Famous legal cases of Marcel Marceau

Marcel Marceau was involved in some legal cases in his career, either as a plaintiff or a defendant. Some of his famous legal cases are:

Marceau vs. CBS: In 1965, Marceau sued CBS for broadcasting a pirated version of his show without his permission or payment. He claimed that CBS violated his rights as an artist and damaged his reputation. He won the case and received $10,000 in damages.
Marceau vs. Telemundo: In 1995, Marceau sued Telemundo for using his image and name in a commercial for a Spanish soap opera without his consent or compensation. He argued that Telemundo exploited his fame and misled the viewers. He won the case and received $450,000 in damages.
Marceau vs. Marceau: In 2003, Marceau sued his son Michel for using his name and likeness in a website that promoted Michel’s own mime school and performances. He alleged that Michel infringed his trademark and confused the public. He lost the case and had to pay $36,000 in legal fees.

FAQs about Marcel Marceau

Q1: How did Marcel Marceau die?

A1: Marcel Marceau died on September 22, 2007, at the age of 84, in Cahors, France. He had been suffering from respiratory problems and heart failure. He was buried at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, next to his mentor Étienne Decroux¹.

Q2: What was Marcel Marceau’s religion?

A2: Marcel Marceau was born into a Jewish family and practiced Judaism as a child. However, he later became an agnostic and did not follow any organized religion. He once said: “I believe in God, but not in a God who concerns himself with the fate of human beings. I believe in a universal spirit that is present everywhere and in everything.”

Q3: What was Marcel Marceau’s influence on pop culture?

A3: Marcel Marceau influenced many aspects of pop culture with his mime art and style. Some examples are:

He inspired many artists and performers, such as Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, and Madonna.
He appeared in many movies, TV shows, and documentaries, such as Barbarella, Silent Movie, The Muppet Show, and Marcel Marceau: Master of Mime.
He was referenced or parodied in many works of fiction, such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
He was honored with many awards and tributes, such as the Legion of Honor¹, the Wallenberg Medal, the UNESCO Mozart Medal, and a Google Doodle.

Q4: What was Marcel Marceau’s philosophy of mime?

A4: Marcel Marceau had a unique philosophy of mime that he developed and refined throughout his career. Some of his principles were:

Mime is the art of silence that speaks to the soul.
Mime is the universal language that transcends words and borders.
Mime is the poetry of gesture that creates beauty and harmony.
Mime is the illusion of reality that transforms the invisible into the visible.
Mime is the expression of emotion that touches the heart.

Q5: What were some of the challenges or difficulties that Marcel Marceau faced in his career?

A5: Marcel Marceau faced some challenges or difficulties in his career, such as:

He had to overcome the prejudice and ignorance that mime was a minor or outdated art form.
He had to compete with the popularity and dominance of other forms of entertainment, such as cinema, television, and music.
He had to cope with the physical and mental demands of performing for long hours and traveling around the world.
He had to deal with the financial and legal troubles that resulted from his lavish lifestyle and poor management.
He had to endure the loss and grief of his family members, friends, and colleagues who died or suffered from illness or accidents.

Q6: What were some of the hobbies or interests that Marcel Marceau had besides mime?

A6: Marcel Marceau had some hobbies or interests besides mime, such as:

He enjoyed painting and sculpting. He created many artworks that reflected his vision and imagination. Some of his paintings were exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.
He loved reading and writing. He wrote several books on mime, such as The Art of Silence, Bip in a Book, and The Story of Bip. He also wrote a novel, The Pantomime Book, and a collection of poems, La Ballade de Paris et du Monde.
He liked listening to music and playing instruments. He played violin and piano since he was a child. He also appreciated classical music, especially Mozart, whom he considered his spiritual brother.

Q7: What were some of the causes or organizations that Marcel Marceau supported or worked for?

A7: Marcel Marceau supported or worked for many causes or organizations that promoted peace, human rights, education, and culture. Some examples are:

He was a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 1989. He participated in many campaigns and events to raise awareness and funds for children’s welfare around the world.
He was a patron of Amnesty International since 1991. He supported their efforts to defend human rights and fight against torture, oppression, and injustice.
He was a supporter of Greenpeace since 1992. He endorsed their campaigns to protect the environment and promote ecological awareness.
He was a member of the International Academy of Humanism since 1997. He advocated for secular humanism and rationalism as a basis for ethical values and social progress.
He was a supporter of SOS Children’s Villages since 2000. He helped them provide care and education for orphaned and abandoned children in more than 130 countries.

Q8: How did Marcel Marceau learn and teach mime?

A8: Marcel Marceau learned mime from various sources and teachers, such as:

He learned mime from his father, who used to entertain him with gestures and stories when he was a child.
He learned mime from Charlie Chaplin, whose silent films he watched with his mother at the cinema. He admired Chaplin’s ability to convey emotions and stories without words.
He learned mime from Étienne Decroux, a renowned pantomimist who became his mentor and teacher. Decroux taught him the principles and techniques of mime, such as body language, expression, movement, rhythm, and illusion.
He learned mime from his own experience and experimentation. He created his own style and characters, such as Bip the Clown. He also studied different forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, literature, and music.

Marcel Marceau taught mime to many students and performers, such as:

He taught mime at the School of Dramatic Art of the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre in Paris. He also gave lectures and workshops at various universities and institutions around the world.
He taught mime at his own company, the Compagnie de Mime Marcel Marceau. He directed and starred in several mimodramas that featured his students and colleagues.
He taught mime at his own school, the École Internationale de Mimodrame de Paris. He trained many mime artists and actors who followed his footsteps.

Q9: What were some of the memorable moments or events that Marcel Marceau experienced or participated in?

A9: Marcel Marceau experienced or participated in many memorable moments or events, such as:

He experienced the horror and heroism of World War II. He lost his father to the Holocaust and saved many Jewish children from the Nazis. He also served as a liaison officer with General George Patton’s Third Army after the liberation of Paris.
He participated in the revival and innovation of mime art in the 20th century. He made mime popular and respected worldwide. He also created mimodrama, a form of theater that combines mime, music, and scenery.
He performed for millions of people in more than 100 countries across five continents. He gave more than 15,000 performances in his career, which spanned over 60 years. He also appeared in several movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
He met and befriended many famous and influential people, such as Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, Madonna, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, etc.

Q10: What were some of the quotes or sayings that Marcel Marceau uttered or wrote?

A10: Marcel Marceau uttered or wrote many quotes or sayings that reflected his wisdom and humor. Some examples are:

“Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us without words?”
“Music conveys moods and images. Even in opera music is more important than words.”
“Never get a mime talking. He won’t stop.”
“The people who came back from the war were silent. They didn’t want to talk about it. I was one of them.”
“To communicate through silence is a link between the thoughts of man.”