Max Linder

(screen name of Gabriel Leuvielle). Born Dec. 16, 1883, in Saint-Loubès, Gironde; died Oct. 30, 1925, in Paris. French motion-picture actor.

Linder began working in films in 1905. His comedy shorts enjoyed enormous popularity, particularly those made during 1910–13 (Max and Quinine, Max the Toreador, The Boxing Champion, Max Gets Married, and Max the Hypnotizer). A brilliant comedy actor, Linder created the persona of the elegant, unruffled, amorous rake who often gets caught in humorous situations. Linder’s work marked the transition in both French and world cinema from mindless humor to authenticity and subtle irony. He performed triumphantly in the USA, Germany, Spain, Russia, and other countries. He fought in World War I (1914–18).

Linder’s last successful film was Three Old Foxes (1922). His loss of popularity aggravated a nervous condition, and he committed suicide. His daughter reissued his best works in 1963 as Laugh With Max Linder.