Trivia

Had the only speaking part in Mel Brooks' film La última locura de Mel Brooks (1976).

His "Walking Against the Wind" routine inspired Michael Jackson's moonwalk.

In the early 1950s, he was virtually unknown in his native France (which has a strong mime tradition). Laurel & Hardy were doing a world tour and, while they were playing Paris, someone tipped them off that Marceau was doing incredible mime in an insignificant suburban theatre. They went to see him and, a few days later, instead of doing the second half of their regular show after the interval, Stan introduced Marceau and, more or less, scolded the audience for ignoring such a talent... and then Laurel & Hardy walked offstage and gave the second half of their show to Marceau.

His father, Charles, perished in Auschwitz in 1944.

Notably talkative off-stage.

New York City declared 18 March the Marcel Marceau Day (1999).

One of the world's finest mime artists.

Spoke in an interview for the documentary Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin (2003).

Likened his character, Bip, to a modern-day Don Quixote.

Held honorary doctorates from Ohio State University, Linfield College, Princeton University and The University of Michigan.

Studied at Charles Dullin's School of Dramatic Art, studying with the renowned mime Etienne Decroux.

Marcel Marceau's costumes and belongings have sold for a staggering $700,000 at an auction in Paris, France, almost double the amount anticipated. The auction sale included Marceau's famous top hat, sailor suit, paintings and art objects. Part of the money raised will pay off Marcel's debts left after his death. Many of the objects were acquired by the National Library and the ministry's own heritage fund, where they will be put on display in the National Library.

Interred in Père Lachaisse Cemetery in Paris (2007).

Artist and fellow mime Paulette Frankl released a memoir in August 2014 about her decades-long relationship with Marceau, Marcel & Me: A Memoir of Love, Lust, and Illusion.

Born to Charles Mangel, a kosher butcher, and his wife Anne Werzberg, he grew up in Strasbourg until World War II.

At his burial ceremony, the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 (which Marceau long used as an accompaniment for an elegant mime routine) was played, as was the sarabande of Bach's Cello Suite No. 5.

Marceau also showed his versatility in motion pictures such as Professor Ping in Barbarella (1968); First Class (1970), in which he played 17 roles; Shanks (1974), where he combined his silent art, playing a deaf and mute puppeteer, and his speaking talent, as a mad scientist.

Born at 8:00am-UT

In honor of his 100th birthday on March 22, 2023, he was honored with a Google Doodle.