According to news agency AFP, French actor Gaspard Ulliel, who starred in “It’s Only the End of the World” and Marvel’s planned “Moon Knight” series, perished in a ski accident in the French Alps on Wednesday. He was 37 years old at the time.
On Tuesday, the Cesar Award winner was skiing in the Savoie region when he collided with another skier at a crossroads between two slopes, suffering a significant brain injury. He was flown to a hospital in Grenoble by helicopter. According to the AFP, local officials have launched an investigation into the disaster.
About Gaspard:
Ulliel was a well-known French actor who collaborated with critically acclaimed European and international filmmakers. In Bertrand Bonello’s “Saint Laurent,” which competed at Cannes, he had a remarkable performance as the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Ulliel also starred in Xavier Dolan’s “It’s Only the End of the World,” starring Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux, and Vincent Cassel; “A Very Long Engagement,” directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet; and “La Princesse de Montpensier,” directed by Bertrand Tavernier. All three films participated in the Cannes Film Festival. Ulliel collaborated with a number of talented filmmakers, including Stéphanie Di Giusto, who directed him in “The Dancer,” which he co-starred in alongside Lily Rose-Depp. Ulliel was cast as Midnight Man in Marvel’s highly anticipated “Moon Knight,” further enhancing his international image.
“I’m shocked and heartbroken to learn about the loss of Gaspard Ulliel at such a young age in a skiing accident,” Webber wrote on Twitter. I had such good recollections of working with him on Hannibal Rising all those years ago. “Dear friend, may you rest in peace.”
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
History:
“Gaspard was part of a new generation of performers who were shaping the future of French cinema. “Thierry Fremaux, the director of the Cannes Film Festival, said of him, “He knew how to select his roles and structure his career in a way that fulfilled every promise.” “From ‘La Princesse de Montpensier’ to ‘It’s Only The End of the World,’ each appearance on the red carpet demonstrated his presence, both discreet and full of friendliness.” He possessed equal amounts of brilliance and talent. He gave a lot, and we’ll never forget him.”
The young actor, who was noted for his elegance and friendliness, received a slew of prizes throughout his career, including two Cesar awards for “A Very Long Engagement” in 2005 and “It’s Only The End Of The World” in 2017. Ulliel was also a popular model: he was the face of Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel fragrance and participated in a commercial for the company produced by Martin Scorsese.
The actor’s talent representative declined to comment when contacted by Variety. Ulliel is survived by his 6-year-old son Orso and his French model and singer girlfriend Gaelle Petri.
