RIP Michel Charrel

This actor of the 1960s has left us at the age of 89, he rubbed shoulders with Lino Ventura and other personalities of the time

Purepeople

By Bertrand Bielle

February 16, 2026

 

French cinema is in mourning after the death of an emblematic actor at the age of 89. This familiar face to the audience had distinguished himself by his many supporting roles alongside big stars. A look back at the rich career of a generous and versatile actor.

French cinema is in mourning. "It is with infinite sadness that the Stéphane Lefebvre Artistic Agency announces the death of actor Michel Charrel, which occurred in Paris on February 14, 2026, at the age of 89. An exceptional talent and a man of great generosity, his departure leaves a huge void for all those who had the chance to know him. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones," we have just learned this Monday, February 16, 2026.

Michel Charrel began his career in the early 1960s, and quickly established himself as an actor known for his supporting roles. He made brief appearances in notable productions of the time: we think of his participation in the Fantomas saga, carried by Louis de Funès and Jean Marais.

Michel Charrel has also distinguished himself on the small screen, and was notably in the cast of The Tiger Brigades, a cult series of the 70s, of which he will mark several episodes with his presence. "Like many actors of his generation, he made the television series a natural extension of his career in the cinema, accepting all registers with the same professionalism," underline our colleagues at Télé-Loisirs.

Michel Charrel, the big names in cinema with whom he played

His last film appearance was in 2020, when he played a hotel receptionist in Philippe Garrel's The Salt of Tears. In 2018, he appeared in the series Hippocrates, where he played Joseph Pires. Michel Garrel rubbed shoulders with legends of the 7th art in France, such as Jean Gabin in Le Pacha in 1968, or Lino Ventura and Bourvil three years earlier in Les grandes gueules. Or Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour, in 1967.

We can also highlight his collaborations with great directors, such as Claude Lelouch with The Good and the Bad (1975), to name but one. Michel Charrel was born on September 13, 1936 in Tarare (Rhône), near Lyon. An actor unknown to the general public, he has nevertheless had a great career, he who, as indicated by Télé-Loisirs, was known for "his ability to blend into all universes, from thrillers to comedies, including adventure films".

Over time, his name has come up regularly in the program schedules, in a TV movie, an episode of a series or a rerun of a classic where his familiar face reappears. It is therefore a striking figure of French cinema, who has just left us. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

CHARREL, Michel (Michel Pierre Victor Charrel)

Born: 9/13/1936, Tarare, Rhône, France

Died: 2/14/2026, Paris,

 

Michel Charrel’s westerns – actor:

Convoi de femmes – 1974 (captain)

 The Girls of the Golden Saloon – 1975 (Ringo)