Shrek star Jean-Paul Vignon dies aged 89 after battle with cancer
03.04.2024 - 09:37
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Shrek star Jean-Paul Vignon has died at the age of 89.
The vocalist and actor, known best for his roles in Shrek and 500 Days of Summer, passed away on March 22. The news was announced by his family, who confirmed his death following a battle with liver cancer.
Jean-Paul, from France, voiced one of Robin Hood's Merry Men in Shrek and narrated the romantic comedy, 500 Days of Summer. He started his career in France in the 1950s before he moved to New York, where he debuted at supper club The Blue Angel.
He went on to appear on Ed Sullivan's CBS variety show where he debuted with Liza Minelli. Jean-Paul also became a regular appearance on Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin's talk shows.
Among his other acting credits, Vignon also appeared as Andre in Gilmore Girls and as Monsieur Lazare in Days of Our Lives. Alongside his acting career, Jean-Paul was also a notable singer.
Prior to his acting and singing career Jean-Paul studied medicine in Marseille and law at the Sorbonne in Paris. He also served 17 months of compulsory military service.
He signed with Columbia Records and released his first U.S. album, Because I Love You, in 1964. Vignon is survived by his partner, Suzie Summers, and his daughter, Marguerite Vignon Gaul.
He also has a second daughter, Lucy Brank, from his first marriage to the late actress Brigid Bazlen, as well as two grandchildren.
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