For over half a century, Gérard Depardieu stood as a towering figure in French cinema, a titan known for his commanding physical presence, instinct, sensibility and remarkable versatility.
A bon vivant who overcame a speech impediment and a turbulent youth, Depardieu rose to prominence in the 1970s and became one of France's most prolific and acclaimed actors, portraying a vast array of characters, from volatile outsiders to deeply introspective figures.
In recent years, however, Depardieu's illustrious career had been overshadowed by multiple allegations of misconduct. His fall from grace was completed Tuesday when a a Paris court found him guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of a movie in which he starred in 2021.
Here is a timeline of key moments in Depardieu's rise and fall:
Dec. 27, 1948: Born in Châteauroux, in a modest family of six children. His youth is tumultuous. Depardieu lives close to an American military base and rubs shoulders with small-time hoodlums, smuggling all kinds of goods.
1960s: Depardieu arrives in Paris. He takes acting classes and discovers all the great classics of literature while undergoing therapy to correct his speech difficulties.
1967: Depardieu makes his screen debut in the short film ''Le Beatnik et le Minet'' and appears in his first stage play.
1972: Features in ''Nathalie Granger,'' directed by Marguerite Duras.
