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How to Pronounce Pierre Richard

Quick Answer: In French, the name Pierre Richard is pronounced [pjɛʁ ʁi.ʃaʁ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Pierre Richard, born Pierre Richard Maurice Charles Léopold Defays in 1934, is a preeminent and cherished figure in French cinema, renowned for his masterful blend of physical comedy and poignant charm. Rising to international fame in the 1970s, his iconic role as the bumbling yet endearing François Perrin in the classic French comedy The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe (1972) cemented his status as a household name. His prolific career is defined by a series of hugely successful French film comedies, particularly his legendary on-screen partnership with Gérard Depardieu in hits like La Chèvre (1981) and Les Compères (1983). As a quintessential French actor and comedian, Richard's filmography showcases a unique comedic genius that relies on expressive slapstick humor and an everyman vulnerability, securing his legacy as a true icon of European comedic cinema whose influence endures.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Pierre Richard" is consistently spelled in that manner, with "Pierre" being a common French first name and "Richard" a standard surname. However, a frequent point of confusion arises because it is identical to the name of the late English musician and actor best known as a member of The Who. To distinguish the French comedian, it is often necessary to specify "Pierre Richard, the French actor" or "Pierre Richard (the comedian)." Common misspellings or typographical errors include "Pierr Richard" (dropping the 'e'), "Pierre Ricard" (substituting a 'd' for a 't'), or "Pierre Richards" (adding an unnecessary 's'). In French, the surname is pronounced "ree-shar," but the anglicized pronunciation "rich-ard" is also commonly heard in international contexts. When searching, it is also useful to know his full birth name, Pierre Defays, though he is exclusively known professionally by his stage name.

Example Sentences

For any fan of classic French cinema, a marathon of Pierre Richard's films is a journey through the golden age of physical comedy.

His performance as the accident-prone detective in La Chèvre remains a masterclass in slapstick timing and endearing clumsiness.

Many critics argue that Pierre Richard's unique ability to blend hapless misfortune with genuine warmth is what made his partnership with Gérard Depardieu so explosively funny.

You can see the direct influence of Pierre Richard's comedic style in the work of a later generation of European actors who specialize in gentle, character-driven humor.

When discussing the greats of French comedy, the name Pierre Richard is invariably mentioned alongside legends like Louis de Funès and Jacques Tati.

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