Noted stage and screen character actor, trained at the Paris Conservatoire. Had lengthy tenures at the Odeon and Porte Saint Martin theatres. Wounded in action during World War I. Formed successful partnerships with Louis Jouvet, and, from 1946, with Jean-Louis Barrault at the Theatre Marigny. Best known on screen for his part as Jericho in Carne's
Children of Paradise (1945).