Actor Guillaume Depardieu, Son Of Gerard, Dies At 37

PARIS — Guillaume Depardieu, the often-troubled son of renowned French film star Gerard Depardieu who gained praise for his own career as an actor, died Monday, hospital officials said. He was 37.

Guillaume Depardieu died at Raymond-Poincare hospital in Garches, west of Paris, from complications related to a sudden case of pneumonia, the Paris area hospitals authority said.

He had been rushed to the hospital late Sunday. Family lawyer Jean-Yves Lienard said the actor flew to France on Sunday from Romania, where he contracted a pulmonary illness while filming.

Guillaume Depardieu won the prize in 1996 as the most promising young actor at the Cesar awards _ France's equivalent of the Academy Awards _ for his role in the film "Les Apprentis" (The Apprentices).

"I loved him infinitely. He was a wonderful guy, an immense actor," said Alain Corneau, who directed both father and son in the 1991 movie "Tous les Matins du Monde" (All the Mornings of the World), on French radio RTL. The film marked the start of the younger Depardieu's professional acting career.

As a teenager and young adult, Guillaume Depardieu faced problems with drugs, alcohol and violence that led to convictions for traffic violations, insults and narcotics.

He had a public falling-out with his father in 2003. That year, Guillaume Depardieu had his right leg amputated to end years of pain from a bacterial infection that followed a motorcycle accident in 1996.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

Comments

[JaneaneTheAcerbicGoblin]

12:45 AM on 10/15/2008

This is sad. I just had seen his last film, The Duchess of Langeais (aka Don't Touch the Axe) only a few months ago. He was superb in it, as was the film. Such a pity.

[MissingAmerica]

04:09 PM on 10/14/2008

How tragic. He was such a talent, just as is his father. This is a great loss. Blessings to Gerard and the Depardieu family. This young man will be missed.

[DemCore]

10:54 PM on 10/14/2008

Guillaume had finished filming the previous week what is to be his last movie, L'enfance d'Icare (The Childhood of Icarus), where his (leading) role had been re-written for him by writer/director Alex Iordachescu. While everybody was aware of Guillaume's brilliance and courage, what his friends most admired was the limitless generosity of his spirit. He will be missed.

[DemCore]

12:26 PM on 10/17/2008

This message contains confidential info. Please remove it from site.

[anniewilde]

10:38 AM on 10/14/2008

Guilliaume was a very, very brilliant actor. If you have a chance, see "Ne Touchez Pas La Hache," presented in the US as "The Duchess of Langeais." This is a film by probably the greatest director of the 20th century, Jacques Rivette, who is a very old man, and, certainly, one of the greatest actors, Guillaume. I'm so sad to know that he's passed away. Let's not forget, as a culture, that it's still true--our best and most brilliant are not always the happiest or the luckiest. If you have a chance, be just that little bit more caring towards an alienated family member, co worker, or friend--even if they're a Republican, or a different color, or have recently really pissed you off. Prayers for Guillaume, and for us all. It's certainly a hell of a ride, lately.

[PersimmonNJ]

10:04 PM on 10/13/2008

This is so sad. I adored him in Tout les Matins du Monde. He never did seem to have an easy time of things...so many health problems. Rest in peace.

[liberalgirl31]

09:56 PM on 10/13/2008

My condolescences to this young man's father and family. A tragic loss, for sure. Parents shouldn't have to bury their children.

[Dystopic]

02:29 PM on 10/14/2008

agreed, well said.

[Hopalongpoppyseed]

09:45 PM on 10/13/2008

Gerard Depardieu, I mourn for you. May the earth lie lightly on your son. May your son glow brightly within you. Gérard Depardieu, je pleurer pour vous. Mai, la terre se situent légèrement sur votre fils. Mai votre fils lueur vive en vous.

[hypnotoad72]

08:09 PM on 10/13/2008

He looks ill in that picture.

Very sad indeed. :(

[mellene]

06:23 PM on 10/13/2008

Very sad. It seems like a lot of our rich and famous celebs lose their children.

[kellygrrrl]

05:59 PM on 10/13/2008

condolences to the friends and family of this young man

[Kanashi]

05:36 PM on 10/13/2008

Repose en paix.

[NoSillyName]

05:34 PM on 10/13/2008

Good grief, what a tragic life. Leg amputated? Sudden pneumonia? Death at 37? Never heard of him, but that is a very sad story.

[CS1373]

05:10 PM on 10/13/2008

So Sad. My sympathy to Gerard Depardieu and his family.

[Puller58]

05:10 PM on 10/13/2008

Shows old age isn't the only thing that can kill you.

[jymfrancais]

05:01 PM on 10/13/2008

bon voyage Guillaume,,its been a hell of a ride
passe le bonjour a P .Deweare et Coluche.