Louis Jouvet (1887–1951)

Louis Jouvet's first career was as a pharmacist, in accordance with his parents’ wishes, but he soon turned to his real interest, the theatre. He was refused admission to the prestigious French National Academy of Dramatic Arts (known as the Conservatoire) in Paris several times because of his stuttering, and he was affected by paralyzing stage fright. Beginning in 1913, he got training with Jacques Copeau's Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier. There he developed his considerable stagecraft skills, particularly in makeup and lighting, and went on a tour of the USA. He finally made his Paris stage debut in 1910 in The Brothers Karamazov. Jouvet served in the French army in World War I. In 1924, he became director of the Comédie des Champs-Élysées, where he remained until 1934, when he was appointed director of the Théâtre de l'Athénée, a position he held until his death. Jouvet began a close collaboration with playwright Jean Giraudoux in 1928. Their work together included the first staging of The Madwoman of Chaillot in 1945. Louis Jouvet also starred in some 34 films beginning in 1932 and his best movies are of the Golden Age of French cinema. He also taught at the Conservatoire for years. The Athénée theatre was renamed in his honor.