Jacques Villeret: French Star of Le Diner de Cons Dies at 53

Jacques Villeret was a French actor born Jacky Boufroura on February 6, 1951, in Tours. He studied acting in Paris and became one of France's best-loved comic actors.

Villeret won the Cesar Award for Best Actor for Le Diner de cons (1998), in which he played the hapless Francois Pignon, and a Cesar for Best Supporting Actor for Robert et Robert. He was named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor and also appeared in La Soupe aux choux.

He struggled with depression and alcoholism after financial difficulties. Villeret died of a liver hemorrhage in Evreux, France, on January 28, 2005, at age 53.

Achievements: Two Cesar Awards, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

Birth: February 6, 1951 - Tours, France.

Profession: Actor.

Interesting Facts: He was married to actress Irina Tarassov from 1979 until they separated in 1998.