Context:

Gérard Depardieu, a significant figure in French cinema for over fifty years, rose to fame in the 1970s with his versatility and commanding screen presence, overcoming a challenging youth and a speech impediment. Despite a successful career, including notable films such as 'Les Valseuses' and 'Cyrano de Bergerac', his later years have been marred by allegations of misconduct and legal issues. More than 20 women have accused him of various offenses, although most cases have not proceeded due to lack of evidence or statute limitations, with only one sexual assault case reaching court. Depardieu's reputation further suffered when his wax figure was removed from a Paris museum after public backlash, coinciding with accusations of inappropriate behavior during a trip to North Korea. As of 2025, Depardieu faces trial in Paris for allegedly sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, marking a significant downturn in his once-celebrated career.

Dive Deeper:

• Gérard Depardieu emerged as a prominent actor in French cinema during the 1970s, recognized for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from volatile outsiders to introspective figures, despite a difficult upbringing and speech challenges.

• His career flourished through the 1980s and 1990s, with roles in acclaimed films such as 'Loulou', 'Police', 'Jean de Florette', and 'Cyrano de Bergerac', for which he received an Oscar nomination despite controversy over past remarks.

• Depardieu's personal life has been tumultuous, with incidents such as a motorcycle crash under the influence and other legal issues, yet his popularity remained strong in France, bolstered by roles in the Astérix & Obélix series.

• Legal troubles escalated when more than 20 women accused him of misconduct, leading to a Paris public prosecutor seeking an 18-month suspended sentence for sexual assault charges, with a decision pending.

• Public perception of Depardieu further declined after his wax figure was removed from a museum and a documentary highlighted inappropriate behavior, culminating in a trial in 2025 for alleged assault on a film set.

• Despite the allegations, Depardieu's legacy in French cinema remains significant, as he continues to face the legal and public consequences of his actions.

• The culmination of these events reflects a dramatic fall from grace for an actor once celebrated as a cultural icon in France, now grappling with the repercussions of his alleged misconduct.