Learn How to Pronounce Louis de Funès | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Louis de Funès
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Meaning and Context
Louis de Funès, born Louis Germain David de Funès de Galarza on July 31, 1914, was a titan of French cinema and arguably the most popular French actor of the 20th century. Renowned for his explosive, physical comedy and masterful timing, he became a national icon through a prolific career spanning from the 1940s until his death in 1983. His legacy is cemented by a series of record-breaking French comedy films, most notably the "Gendarme" series set in Saint-Tropez and the wartime romp "La Grande Vadrouille," which held the title of France's highest-grossing film for over four decades. De Funès's genius lay in his portrayal of irritable, frantic, yet ultimately endearing characters, often middle-class men driven to comical exasperation. His collaborations with director Gérard Oury and co-star Bourvil produced some of the most cherished classics of French film history, ensuring his work remains a cornerstone of French cultural heritage and a staple of family entertainment.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and correct spelling is Louis de Funès, with a lowercase 'd' in 'de' and an accent grave on the 'è'. Common misspellings and variations arise from phonetic guesses, typographical errors, or unfamiliarity with French diacritics. Frequent errors include: "Louis de Funes" (dropping the accent), "Louis De Funès" or "Louis DeFunès" (incorrectly capitalizing 'De' or merging it), and "Louis de Funes" (missing both the accent and the capitalization rule). Some may mistakenly write "Louis de Fuènes" or "Louis de Funeès," incorrectly placing or doubling the accent. In searches, the umlaut is sometimes erroneously used, as in "Louis de Fünes." It is also worth noting that his full name includes his Spanish maternal surname, making it occasionally referenced formally as Louis de Funès de Galarza.
Example Sentences
No marathon of classic French comedy is complete without at least one film starring the irrepressible Louis de Funès.
In Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez, his portrayal of the easily flustered Maréchal des logis-chef Cruchot perfectly showcases his genius for physical humor.
Many film historians credit Louis de Funès with defining a uniquely French style of farce that balanced social satire with boundless energy.
His dynamic with the calmer, deadpan Bourvil in La Grande Vadrouille created a comedic chemistry that has rarely been matched.
To understand post-war French popular culture, one must study the filmography of Louis de Funès.
Even decades after his passing, his movies continue to draw massive television audiences during holiday broadcasts, proving his timeless appeal.
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