Born at 8:00am-UT
Born to Charles Mangel, a kosher butcher, and his wife Anne Werzberg, he grew up in Strasbourg until World War II.
Great-grandfather of Vanessa Marcil.
Had the only speaking part in Mel Brooks' film Silent Movie (1976).
Held honorary doctorates from Ohio State University, Linfield College, Princenton University and Michigian University.
His "Walking Against the Wind" routine inspired Michael Jackson's moonwalk.
His father, Charles, perished in Auschwitz in 1944.
In the early 1950s, he was virtually unknown in his native France (which has a strong mime tradition). Laurel & Hardy were doing a world tour and, while they were playing Paris, someone tipped them off that Marceau was doing incredible mime in an insignificant suburban theatre. They went to see him and, a few days later, instead of doing the second half of their regular show after the interval, Stan introduced Marceau and, more or less, scolded the audience for ignoring such a talent... and then Laurel & Hardy walked offstage and gave the second half of their show to Marceau.
Interred in Père Lachaisse Cemetery in Paris (2007).
Likened his character, Bip, to a modern-day Don Quixote.
Marcel Marceau's costumes and belongings have sold for a staggering $700,000 at an auction in Paris, France, almost double the amount anticipated. The auction sale included Marceau's famous top hat, sailor suit, paintings and art objects. Part of the money raised will pay off Marcel's debts left after his death. Many of the objects were acquired by the National Library and the ministry's own heritage fund, where they will be put on display in the National Library.
New York City declared 18 March the Marcel Marceau Day (1999).
Notably talkative off-stage.
One of the world's finest mime artists.
Spoke in an interview for the documentary Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin (2003).
Studied at Charles Dullin's School of Dramatic Art, studying with the renowned mime Etienne Decroux.