How to Pronounce Gérard Depardieu

Meaning and Context

Gérard Depardieu is a titanic figure in world cinema, a French actor whose prolific and dynamic career began in the late 1960s and has since encompassed over 200 films across six decades. Born in 1948 in Châteauroux, he rose from a turbulent youth to become the very embodiment of French cinematic prowess, known for his raw physicality, emotional depth, and remarkable versatility. His international breakthrough came with the 1990 film Cyrano de Bergerac, for which he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination, solidifying his status as a leading man of profound talent. Depardieu further captivated global audiences with performances in films like Jean de Florette, The Last Metro, and the English-language romantic comedy Green Card, which earned him a Golden Globe in 1991. Beyond his acting, he is a noted vineyard owner and a controversial public figure whose outspoken nature and 2013 decision to take Russian citizenship generated significant media attention. His legacy as a giant of French cinema is built on an unparalleled body of work that seamlessly blends critical acclaim with popular appeal, making Gérard Depardieu one of the most recognized and influential European actors of his generation.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name Gérard Depardieu presents several common challenges for non-French speakers and in digital searches. The primary difficulty lies in the accented characters. The first name, Gérard, must include the acute accent over the first 'e' (é); common misspellings omit this accent, resulting in "Gerard Depardieu." The surname, Depardieu, is frequently misspelled in various ways: "Depardeau," "Depardieux," or "De Pardieu" (incorrectly splitting the particle). The confusion often stems from mishearing the pronunciation, leading to typos like "Depardeu" or "Depardiu." Additionally, in informal online contexts or due to autocorrect, one might encounter "Gerard Depardieu" (correct first name but missing accent) or "Gérard De Pardieu." For search engine optimization and accuracy, it is crucial to use the correct diacritics, though major search engines will typically correct the most common variants. When referencing his full name formally, the accents are non-negotiable for authenticity.

Example Sentences

Gérard Depardieu delivered a career-defining performance as the eloquent, large-nosed poet in the 1990 film adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Despite his international fame, Depardieu has remained deeply committed to French cinema, often collaborating with iconic directors like François Truffaut and Bertrand Blier.

The actor's venture into winemaking has seen him develop prestigious vineyards in regions like Bordeaux and Morocco.

Following a series of public controversies, Depardieu's decision to accept Russian citizenship in 2013 sparked a prolonged debate about his legacy and standing in France.

Film scholars often cite Depardieu's ability to convey profound vulnerability beneath a rugged exterior as the key to his enduring appeal.

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