Jean-Paul Vignon, star of Lost, has died. The 89-year-old 500 Days of Summer and Shrek actress has been battling liver cancer.
Actor Jean-Paul Vignon, who starred in the films 500 Days of Summer and SERENITY, has passed away. He was eighty-nine.
The French actor and singer died after a long battle with liver cancer.
On Wednesday, Vignon’s family announced to the world that he had died in Beverly Hills, California.
The American actor became famous by reading the script of the romantic comedy 500 Days of Summer and dubbing one of the merry men Robin Hood in Shrek.
In the 1950s, Vignon began his career in France, appearing in several French films as well as in cabarets.
He then moved to New York, where in 1963 he appeared as an opening act for Woody Allen.
Subsequently, Vignon enjoyed eight decades of popularity on the American acting scene.
His best-known roles include Monsieur Lazare on Days of Our Lives and Andre on Gilmore Girls.
Vignon was not only an actor but also a successful singer.
His debut album Since I Love You was released in the US in 1964 following his contract with Columbia Records.
Three years later, he appeared in a cameo role in Cliff Robertson and William Holden’s World War I film The Devil’s Brigade.
According to a 1994 Los Angeles Times article, Vignon “filled the American image of the romantic singing Frenchman”.
While many of his contemporaries were unable to “sing fast and passionately or softly and slowly”, Vignon could.
The actor also sang a duet with Liza Minnelli on The Ed Sullivan Show several times.
In addition, he was a frequent guest on Merv Griffin’s daytime show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Even better, Vignon was the host of Dick Clark’s Canadian TV program The Sensuous Man. At the end of each week, he rested in the bathtub.
Vignon was born in the Ethiopian coastal city of Dire Dawa on January 30, 1935, and grew up in Avignon, France.
He briefly studied medicine in Marseille and law at the Sorbonne in Paris before deciding to pursue music full-time.
There was a small break in his early career when he served in the army for 17 months.
He will be missed by his longtime partner Suzie Summers and daughter Marguerite Vignon Gaul.
He had Lucy Brank, his daughter from a previous marriage to the late actress Brigid Bazlen, and two grandchildren.
Jean-Paul Vignon’s passing marks the end of an era for fans and colleagues who admired his multi-faceted career. Vignon was born in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, and raised in Avignon, France. Vignon began his artistic journey with a diverse background that included brief stints in medicine and law. His talent and charisma manifested in his acting and singing careers, making him a beloved figure in American and French entertainment.
Over eight decades, Vignon has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with memorable roles in productions such as *500 Days of Summer* and *Shrek* and his appearances on stage and television. His ability to combine romance and musical talent, evidenced by his debut album and remarkable duets, has endeared him to audiences around the world. Vignon’s unique charm was further highlighted by his frequent television appearances and prominent role as host in *The Sensuous Man*.
Vignon’s legacy will be cherished by those who knew him personally and those who admired his work from afar. He is survived by his longtime partner Suzie Summers, daughter Marguerite Vignon Gaul, and his grandchildren, as well as daughter Lucy Brank from a previous marriage. His contributions to film, television, and music have left a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come.