Legendary mime Marcel Marceau has died

Famed French actor Marcel Marceau, nicknamed the "Charlie Chaplin" of pantomime, died Saturday at the age of 84. This was announced today by his relatives. The character he created in 1947 under the name of Bip became in some way Pierro ...

Famed French actor Marcel Marceau, nicknamed the "Charlie Chaplin" of pantomime, died Saturday at the age of 84. This was announced today by his relatives. The character he created in 1947 under the name of Bip became in some way the Pierrot of the twentieth century and brought Marcel Marceau worldwide fame in the years when the world was going through difficult times after the Second World War.
This fragile-looking but energetic artist is credited with the revival of the art of pantomime two decades after the death of silent cinema, where the incomparable Charlie Chaplin shone.
Created by Marceau, the world's only troupe of mimes successfully performed in the 50-60s of the last century on the stages of Paris, the cities of France and many capitals of the world. It was especially popular in the USA, Japan, China and the USSR. In 1969-71, Marceau directed the International School of Pantomime, and in 1978 he created the International School of Mime Drama in Paris.

In 2000, Marcel Marceau announced the end of his creative career. However, already on February 23, 2002, in the largest Parisian concert hall, the Palais de Congres, the tireless mime presented his new performance. Then, in this unique production, Marceau used Russian church music. The artist believes that her deep psychological strength and aesthetic integrity is the best suited to his task - to reflect the essence of human existence.
Marcel Marceau said then: "I have not changed at all and I feel in myself not only strength, but also a great desire to perform on stage."

Marcel Marceau was born on March 22, 1923 in Strasbourg in eastern France. During the Second World War, he participated in the anti-fascist resistance movement. Elected member of the Academy of Fine Arts of France. He was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honor.

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