Jean Del Val
Jean Del Val
17.11.1891 - 13.03.1975 (83 years)
Jean Del Val (17 November 1891 – 13 March 1975), born Jean Jacques Gauthier, was a French-born actor, also credited as Jean Gauthier and Jean Gautier. He played roles during the Hollywood silent era, beginning with The Fortunes of Fifi in 1917. During the early days of talkies he served as a translator and vocal coach for French language versions of American-made films. Two of his notable credits include the classic 1942 film Casablanca in the limited role as an announcer for a French radio station in one of the opening scenes, historical figure Ferdinand Foch in the 1941 film Sergeant York based on the life of Sergeant York. His most memorable role is the comatose scientist, Dr. Jan Benes in the 1966 science fiction film Fantastic Voyage. He also appeared on 5 episodes of the television series Combat!, first, uncredited in "A Day in June" followed by "No Trumpets, No Drums " as Marceau, then as a French Farmer in "Birthday Cake" and later on as Father Bomar in the episode "The Steeple". Lastly he played Brother Edmundo in the episode "The Mockingbird". Del Val died at age 83 from a heart attack in Pacific Palisades, California. He is interred in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.