On Wednesday, a tragedy on a ski slope in the French Alps has claimed the life of French artist Gaspard Ulliel, best known for his roles in It’s Only the End of the World as well as Marvel’s forthcoming “Moon Knight” series. He was 37 years old at the time.
The actor was skiing in the Savoie part of France on Tuesday when he crashed with another skier and sustained a significant head injury. He was airlifted to a facility in Grenoble by helicopter. According to the AFP, local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
Who was Gaspard Ulliel?
He was among France’s finest performers and collaborated with some of the most highly acclaimed directors in Europe and the United States. He made his acting debut at the age of twelve in the French Telemovie “Une Femme En Blanc” (“A Woman in White”).
The French actor made his first English-speaking appearance in Peter Webber’s “Hannibal Rising” in 2007. His performance in Bertrand Bonello’s “Saint Laurent,” which was nominated for a Cannes Film Festival award, was remarkable.
Xavier Dolan’s highly acclaimed “It’s Only the End of the World” with Léa Seydoux, Marion Cotillard, as well as Vincent Cassel also featured Ulliel, as did “La Princesse de Montpensier” by Bertrand Tavernier, and “A Very Long Engagement” by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. All three films participated in the Cannes Film Festival. Stéphanie Di Giusto, who probed Ulliel in “The Dancer” alongside Lily Rose-Depp, is one of Ulliel’s most promising collaborators.
Marvel’s eagerly anticipated “Moon Knight” casts Ulliel as Midnight Man, underlining his international fame. The actor has recently concluded filming a recurring part in a criminal thriller series helmed by Xavier Giannoli for Canal Plus. Production for the series is now ongoing, with Vincent Lindon and other celebrities taking part.
Webber took to Twitter paying tribute to the performer-
“Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Gaspard Ulliel at such a young age in a skiing accident. I have such fond memories of working with him all those years ago on Hannibal Rising. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Gaspard Ulliel at such a young age in a skiing accident. I have such fond memories of working with him all those years ago on Hannibal Rising. Rest in peace, dear friend. pic.twitter.com/U1gmxMvHJE
— Peter Webber (@PeterWebber) January 19, 2022
The director of the Cannes Film Festival, Thierry Fremaux said-
“Gaspard belonged to this new generation of actors who were making tomorrow’s French cinema. He knew how to select his roles and shaped his career which filled every promise,” Each appearance on the red carpet, from ‘La Princesse de Montpensier’ to ‘It’s Only The End of the World’ illustrated his presence, both discreet and full of kindness. He was equally brilliant and talented. He gave a lot and we’ll always remember him.”
“A Very Long Engagement” alongside It’s Only The End Of The World” earned two Cesar Awards for the talented actor in 2005 and 2017. He was noted for his grace and friendliness. Ulliel was a highly prized model, appearing in a Martin Scorsese-directed ad for Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel perfume.
The actor’s agent who was reached out to for comments by Variety refused to provide any further information. Ulliel leaves behind his 6-year-old child Orso and his singer and model girlfriend Gaelle Petri. It is expected that funerals will begin tomorrow.