From peeing on planes to Russian citizenship over taxes: How this French actor's bizarre personal life overshadowed his cinematic genius

Economic Times

13-05-2025

AP Once hailed as the face of French cinema, Gérard Depardieu's legacy has taken a dramatic turn. From urinating on a plane to cozying up with Putin for Russian citizenship, his wild personal life and serious misconduct allegations have stolen the spotlight from his storied film career, turning a national icon into a figure of controversy and fascination. For over five decades, Gérard Depardieu was a towering figure in French cinema, revered for his commanding physical presence and remarkable versatility. He embodied everything from volatile outsiders to introspective dreamers, becoming a cinematic legend known across the globe. But as the years passed, the public's love for his cinematic craft began to fade, eclipsed by a shadow of scandal that forever changed his legacy. Born on December 27, 1948, in the quiet town of Châteauroux, Gérard Depardieu's early years were far from idyllic. Raised in a modest family with six children, Depardieu was exposed to a world of turmoil and temptation. He spent much of his youth in close proximity to an American military base, mingling with petty criminals and indulging in smuggling operations—a world far removed from the glamour of cinema. Yet, it was this very roughness that would define his acting career.
In the late 1960s, Depardieu moved to Paris, where he worked to overcome a speech impediment and immersed himself in acting classes. His determination paid off in 1967 when he made his screen debut wmith the short film Le Beatnik et le Minet and soon appeared in his first stage play. By 1974, his career took a major leap with the cult hit Les Valseuses , which marked him as a force to be reckoned with in French cinema. This was just the beginning. Over the next decade, Depardieu would become the face of French cinema, starring in acclaimed films such as Jean de Florette and The Return of Martin Guerre , solidifying his position as one of the most sought-after actors of his time.
By the 1980s, Depardieu had established himself as an international star. His performances in The Woman Next Door , Police , and Danton earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. In 1991, Depardieu received an Oscar nomination for his unforgettable portrayal of Cyrano de Bergerac, a role that seemed to ensure his place in the pantheon of great actors. But while his career was flourishing, his personal life was becoming increasingly erratic.
In an interview with Time magazine in 1991, Depardieu shocked the public when he made a bizarre claim about participating in a rape at the age of nine. Though he later denied the statement, insisting that it was taken out of context, the controversy would hang over his head for years to come, casting a long shadow over his career.
Despite the controversy, Depardieu's career continued to thrive in France. However, by the late 1990s, a series of reckless actions started to tarnish his public image. In 1998, Depardieu was involved in a motorcycle crash while drunk, his blood alcohol level five times the legal limit. This incident was just one of many missteps, including a widely publicized episode in which he urinated in the aisle of a plane before takeoff. As if that wasn't enough, Depardieu faced legal trouble for allegedly driving drunk on his scooter, further complicating his public persona. The actor's personal life would become even more tumultuous with the tragic death of his son, Guillaume Depardieu, in 2008. The grief of losing his son sent Depardieu into a downward spiral, with his public behavior becoming increasingly erratic. His strained relationship with France, especially regarding tax issues, led him to seek citizenship in Russia, a move that further distanced him from his home country.
The years that followed were marked by more personal controversies. In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould accused Depardieu of sexually assaulting her at his home. While the investigation is still ongoing, it was just one of many accusations from women who claimed to have been victims of the actor's misconduct. Over 20 women have publicly accused Depardieu of inappropriate behavior, though many cases were dropped due to lack of evidence or the statute of limitations.
In 2023, his public fall from grace reached new heights when the famous Grévin Museum in Paris removed his wax figure in response to widespread backlash over the allegations against him. The final nail in the coffin came after a 2018 documentary revealed Depardieu's crude and lewd behavior during a trip to North Korea, igniting public outrage. Depardieu's once-admired status in French culture now seemed irreparably fractured.
The latest chapter in Depardieu's ongoing saga began in 2025, when he went on trial for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. Depardieu is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during the production of Les Volets Verts . These allegations have cast a permanent shadow over his career and forced the world to reevaluate the legacy of the once-beloved actor. In the end, Depardieu's story is a tragic reminder of how personal scandals can eclipse even the brightest of careers. Once a symbol of French cinematic excellence, he now stands as a cautionary tale of how fame, talent, and personal demons can intertwine, leading to a spectacular fall from grace. The world may remember him for his on-screen brilliance, but his off-screen behavior will be what defines him in the years to come.