Remembering Patrick Dewaere: The Star Who Began at Four

Patrick Dewaere, a celebrated figure in French cinema, embarked on his acting journey at the tender age of four. Throughout his career, he received five nominations for the César Award for Best Actor between 1977 and 1982 and was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Adieu poulet in 1975.

Dewaere's breakthrough came with the film Les Valseuses in 1974, which marked him as a prominent talent in the industry. Tragically, his life was cut short when he passed away in July 1982, leaving behind an unfulfilled promise of future accolades.

His First Role: A Child Actor's Debut

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Indeed, it was Patrick Dewaere who took on his very first role at just four years old, performing under the name Patrick Maurin, after his mother. He was part of a family troupe known as the "petits Maurin," led by his mother, Mado Maurin, who was both an actress and a theatre director.

In his debut film, Monsieur Fabre (1951), he portrayed Emile, a child who is often seen sucking his thumb. Although he had no lines, he shared the screen with the esteemed actor Pierre Fresnay, a leading star of the time, and was joined by his half-brothers, Yves-Marie and Jean-Pierre.

The film was directed by Henri Diamant-Berger and tells the story of Jean-Henri Fabre, a renowned entomologist.

The Journey from Child Star to Cinema Icon

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Following his early role, Patrick Maurin's career as a child star flourished, encompassing various projects in television, theatre, and radio. However, at the age of 17 in 1964, he learned that the man he believed to be his father was not his biological parent. This revelation, coupled with the mismanagement of his earnings, led him to distance himself from his family, ultimately adopting the surname "Dewaere."

After gaining recognition for his lead role in the 1967 television series Jean de la Tour Miracle, Dewaere moved out of his family home and became involved with the counterculture movement following the events of May 1968. He co-founded the Café de la Gare theatre with Sotha and Romain Bouteille in 1969.

By 1974, he had become a leading figure alongside Gérard Depardieu and Miou-Miou in Les Valseuses, which significantly elevated his status in the film industry. His subsequent works included Adieu poulet (1975), La Meilleure façon de marcher (1976), Le Juge Fayard dit Le shériff (1977), Préparez vos mouchoirs (1978), and later, Coup de tête and Série noire (1979).

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Dewaere became emblematic of the tortured artist, known for his intense immersion into roles, sometimes at great personal risk. In the early 1980s, he starred in the romantic drama Hôtel des Amériques directed by André Téchiné and the political thriller Mille milliards de dollars by Henri Verneuil.

However, Dewaere faced numerous personal struggles, including financial difficulties, family issues, and substance abuse. On July 16, 1982, he tragically took his own life at the age of 35. At the time of his death, he was being considered for several significant roles, including a portrayal of Marcel Cerdant in Claude Lelouch's biopic Édith et Marcel, and collaborations with notable figures like Coluche and Serge Gainsbourg in upcoming projects.