# Jean-Pierre Léaud

> French actor

**Wikidata**: [Q295834](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q295834)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Pierre_Léaud)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jean-pierre-leaud

## Summary
Jean-Pierre Léaud is a renowned French actor best known for his iconic role as Antoine Doinel in François Truffaut's *The 400 Blows* (1959) and its sequels, which became defining works of the French New Wave. His career spans over six decades, marked by collaborations with influential directors and a lasting impact on European cinema.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 28, 1944, in Paris, France
- **Nationality**: French
- **Occupation**: Actor, occasional film director and screenwriter
- **Known for**: Portraying Antoine Doinel in François Truffaut's semi-autobiographical film series and collaborations with directors like Jean-Luc Godard and Jacques Rivette
- **Field(s)**: Film acting, directing, screenwriting

## Contributions
Jean-Pierre Léaud's most significant contribution is his portrayal of Antoine Doinel in François Truffaut's *The 400 Blows* (1959), which launched his career and became a cornerstone of the French New Wave. He reprised the role in four subsequent films: *Antoine and Colette* (1962), *Stolen Kisses* (1968), *Bed & Board* (1970), and *Love on the Run* (1979). Beyond Truffaut, he worked with Jean-Luc Godard in films like *Masculin Féminin* (1966) and *La Chinoise* (1967), and with Jacques Rivette in *Out 1* (1971). His performances often blurred the line between fiction and autobiography, influencing generations of actors and filmmakers.

## FAQs
**What is Jean-Pierre Léaud best known for?**
Jean-Pierre Léaud is best known for his role as Antoine Doinel in François Truffaut's *The 400 Blows* and its sequels, which are considered classics of French cinema.

**Has Jean-Pierre Léaud won any major awards?**
Yes, he has received several prestigious awards, including the Honorary César (1996), the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival (2000), and the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival (1979).

**What directors has Jean-Pierre Léaud worked with?**
Léaud has collaborated with some of the most influential directors in French cinema, including François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Jacques Rivette, and Jean Eustache.

**Is Jean-Pierre Léaud also a director or screenwriter?**
While primarily an actor, Léaud has occasionally worked as a film director and screenwriter, though his contributions in these roles are less documented than his acting career.

## Why They Matter
Jean-Pierre Léaud's work has had a profound impact on European cinema, particularly the French New Wave. His portrayal of Antoine Doinel in Truffaut's films captured the spirit of youthful rebellion and existential questioning, resonating with audiences worldwide. His collaborations with Godard and other New Wave directors helped redefine cinematic storytelling, blending realism with avant-garde techniques. Léaud's influence extends beyond acting; his performances have inspired filmmakers and actors to explore more personal and experimental narratives.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Role**: Portraying Antoine Doinel in François Truffaut's *The 400 Blows* and its sequels.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Honorary César (1996), Honorary Palme d'Or (2000), and Silver Bear for Best Actor (1979).
- **Collaborations**: Worked with legendary directors like François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and Jacques Rivette.
- **Cultural Impact**: A defining figure of the French New Wave, influencing generations of filmmakers and actors.
- **Honors**: Knight of the Legion of Honour, one of France's highest decorations.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jean-Pierre Léaud was born on May 28, 1944, in Paris, France. He began his acting career at the age of 14 when he was cast by François Truffaut in *The 400 Blows* (1959). The film, which was semi-autobiographical for Truffaut, became a critical and commercial success, launching Léaud into the spotlight.

### Breakthrough and French New Wave
Léaud's portrayal of Antoine Doinel in *The 400 Blows* became iconic, symbolizing youthful rebellion and alienation. He reprised the role in four subsequent films, creating a cinematic journey that spanned two decades. His work with Truffaut is considered a cornerstone of the French New Wave, a movement that revolutionized cinema with its innovative techniques and personal storytelling.

### Collaborations with Other Directors
Beyond Truffaut, Léaud worked with Jean-Luc Godard in films like *Masculin Féminin* (1966) and *La Chinoise* (1967), which explored political and social themes. He also collaborated with Jacques Rivette on *Out 1* (1971), a monumental film that pushed the boundaries of narrative and duration.

### Awards and Recognition
Léaud's contributions to cinema have been recognized with numerous awards. He received the Honorary César in 1996, the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000, and the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1979. In 2007, he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour, one of France's highest honors.

### Legacy and Influence
Jean-Pierre Léaud's career has had a lasting impact on European cinema. His performances, particularly as Antoine Doinel, have influenced generations of actors and filmmakers. His ability to blend personal experience with cinematic storytelling has made him a defining figure of the French New Wave. Léaud's work continues to be studied and celebrated for its innovation and emotional depth.

## References

1. [Les Gens du cinéma](http://www.lesgensducinema.com/affiche_acteur.php?mots=leaud&nom_acteur=LEAUD%20Jean-Pierre&ident=24051&debut=0&record=0&from=ok)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. datos.bne.es
5. [Source](http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/sight-sound-magazine/interviews/how-they-did-love-emmanuel-laurent-godard-truffaut)
6. [Source](https://www.fandor.com/films/two_in_the_wave)
7. [Source](http://www.listal.com/viewimage/539983)
8. [Source](http://www.fandango.com/jeanpierrel%C3%A9aud/overview/p44069)
9. [Source](http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/film/FN16808)
10. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. CiNii Research
14. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/lists/504/000063315/)
15. SNAC
16. Discogs
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. CONOR.SI
19. Library of Congress Control Number
20. The Movie Database
21. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data