Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (8 May 1903 – 26 February 1971), better known as
Fernandel, was a French actor and singer. Born in
Marseille, France, to Désirée Bedouin and Denis Contandin, originating in
Perosa Argentina, an
Occitan town located in the
province of Turin. He was a comedy star who first gained popularity in French
vaudeville,
operettas, and
music-hall revues. His
stage name originated from his marriage to Henriette Manse, the sister of his best friend and frequent cinematic collaborator Jean Manse. So attentive was he to his wife that his mother-in-law amusingly referred to him as
Fernand d'elle ("her Fernand").