Claude Nicot

Born on February 12, 1925, in Paris, Claude Nicot was a French actor and stage director whose career spanned more than half a century, encompassing theater, film, radio, and television.

Discovered by Pierre Fresnay in the 1940s, he quickly established himself on the Parisian stage, particularly in boulevard comedies, where he frequently portrayed shy or awkward young men. He also worked with Jean Vilar’s Théâtre National Populaire and originated a role in Eugène Ionesco’s The Killer (Tueur sans gages) at the Théâtre Récamier in 1959.

His distinctive voice and slight speech impediment became recognizable features of his performances. On radio, he achieved widespread popularity as Théo Courant, a character created especially for him by Francis Blanche in the comedy serial Signé Furax, written with Pierre Dac. In 1973, he also portrayed the journalist Fandor in a radio adaptation of Fantômas.

His film appearances included Huis clos (1954), Le rouge est mis (1957), and Adorable menteuse (1962). He also enjoyed a prolific television career, particularly through appearances in plays broadcast as part of the popular series Au théâtre ce soir.

Nicot also worked extensively as a voice actor, providing the French voices of Yosemite Sam in the Looney Tunes cartoons, Boss Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard, and the famous cat Garfield in the animated series Garfield and Friends.

For Le Petit Ménestrel, he participated in a recording of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (catalog number LLP 310 F), alongside Anna Gaylor and Monique Martial. His narration contributed to this adaptation of Disney’s fairy tale, which was released in both 33⅓ and 45 rpm editions.

Claude Nicot died in Paris on November 17, 2003, at the age of 78. He is buried in Père-Lachaise Cemetery.