Jean Del Val (born Jean Jacques Gauthier; 17 November 1891 – 13 March 1975) was a French-born actor, also credited as Jean Gauthier and Jean Gautier.

Jean Del Val
Del Val in The Flying Deuces (1939)
Born(1891-11-17)17 November 1891
Died13 March 1975(1975-03-13) (aged 83)
Other namesJean Gauthier
Jean Gautier
OccupationActor
Years active1917—1973

Career edit

He played roles during the Hollywood silent era, beginning with The Fortunes of Fifi in 1917. During the early days of talkies he served as a translator and vocal coach for French language versions of American-made films. Two of his notable credits include the classic 1942 film Casablanca in a small role as an announcer for a French radio station in one of the opening scenes, and historical figure Ferdinand Foch in the 1941 film Sergeant York, based on the life of Alvin York. His most well-known role was comatose scientist Dr. Jan Benes in the 1966 science fiction film Fantastic Voyage.

He also appeared on 5 episodes of the television series Combat!: first, uncredited in the episode "A Day in June", followed by "No Trumpets, No Drums" as Marceau, then as a French farmer in "Birthday Cake", Father Bomar in "The Steeple", and Brother Edmundo in "The Mockingbird".

Death edit

Del Val died at age 83 from a heart attack in Pacific Palisades, California. He is interred in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.

Selected filmography edit

External links edit