Trivia

His mentor was Jean Cocteau, who was also his lover between 1937 and 1947.

As a child, he dreamed of becoming an actor but he was twice rejected when he applied to drama schools. During World War II, he worked in film and on the stage during the German occupation of France (1940-1944). After the Allies liberated Paris in August 1944, he joined France's Second Armored Division and served as a truck driver carrying fuel and ammunition to the front.

As he also was a respected sculptor, his monument "Le passe muraille" (The Walker Through Walls) honoring French author Marcel Aymé can be seen in the Montmatre Quarter in Paris.

Apart from being a stage and film actor, he was also a writer and a noteworthy painter and sculptor.

Adopted a son, Serge Ayala.

Receiver of the French Legion of Honor (1996).

Head of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1985

Was raised by his mother and his grandmother in Le Vésinet near Paris.

Is buried in Vallauris, France.

Member of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1958

Started his professional career as caddy.

Had a brother, Henri.

Son of Alfred Emmanuel Victor Paul Villain-Marais and Aline Marie Louise Vassord.