Jean Gabin

Jean Gabin (; 17 May 190415 November 1976) was a French actor. He also sometimes was a singer. Gabin is considered one of the great stars of French cinema. He was made a member of the Légion d'honneur. A museum in Mériel contains his story and features, his war and film memorabilia.
At the age of 19, Gabin received a small role in a Folies Bergère production. He continued acting until he joined the military. After his military service he began acting again. He became part of a troupe that toured South America. After returning to France they worked at the Moulin Rouge.
Gabin gained notice and received roles in films. He became popular after being in films directed by Julien Duvivier. He had many offers to work in Hollywood. When Germany occupied France in World War II, he went to the United States. While there he had a romance with actress Marlene Dietrich. He was difficult to work with and did not have success with his career in Hollywood.
Jean Gabin joined General Charles de Gaulle's Free French Forces. He earned the Médaille militaire and a Croix de guerre for his wartime service in North Africa. 
After the war Gabin returned to acting. For several years his films did not make much money. Then the 1954 film "Touchez pas au grisbi" ("Don't Touch the Loot") was a very profitable international success. Over the next twenty years, Gabin made close to 50 more films.