Michaël Lonsdale

A highly respected character actor for over five decades, Michael Lonsdale was an understated but consistently believable presence in European films, as well as Hollywood efforts lensed there, including "The Bride Wore Black" (1966), "The Day of the Jackal" (1973), "Moonraker" (1979)" and "Of Gods and Men" (2010). His quiet but forceful presence frequently led to him being cast as religious figures, like the Benedictine abbot in "The Name of the Rose" (1986) and the philosophical monk in "Gods and Men," but he also essayed his share of lawyers, businessmen, government officials and a few royals, to which he brought carefully measured layers of humanity. Lonsdale's success in Europe attracted the attention of Hollywood, but save for a few studio pictures like the James Bond adventure "Moonraker," he assiduously avoided American features in favor of continental fare. He grew busier as he grew older, yielding greater acclaim and awards, including a Cesar for "Of Gods and Men" in his eighth decade. Lonsdale's commitment to his art, and the sheer quantity of exceptional performances to his name, made him one of Europe's most well regarded players.