Fernandel

Popular, prolific long-faced French comedian with an enormous, horsey grin who, through the expressive use of his hands, homely face and voice, became one of the most beloved film stars in France and appeared, often as innocent peasant characters, in almost 150 films. Although he first gained screen popularity with a serious role in Bernard Deschamps's "Le Rosier de Madame Husson" (1932), Fernandel was best known for his numerous comic portrayals, especially as the title character, an irascible Italian village priest, in the "Don Camillo" series.