Memorial · Marseille

Ici est né le 8 mai 1903 Fernand Contandin dit Fernandel acteur comédien décédé le 26 février 1971

Photograph at the Ici est né le 8 mai 1903 Fernand Contandin dit Fernandel acteur comédien décédé le 26 février 1971 Memorial
Photograph: André Cros, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

This memorial plaque in Marseille commemorates Fernand Contandin, widely known by his stage name Fernandel. It marks the birthplace of the celebrated actor and comedian, acknowledging his arrival on May 8, 1903. The plaque serves as a permanent tribute to a figure who brought joy and entertainment to many, noting his passing on February 26, 1971. It stands as a modest yet significant landmark for those wishing to recall his origins in the city.

Memorial plaques such as this one are a common feature in many cities, often placed at the birthplaces or residences of notable individuals. This tradition reflects a civic desire to acknowledge and preserve the memory of those who have contributed significantly to culture, arts, or public life. By marking the site of his birth, the plaque connects Fernandel's enduring legacy directly to the urban fabric of Marseille, embedding his story within the city's historical narrative and allowing passersby to reflect on his journey from these humble beginnings.

The memorial plaque is located in Marseille and is easily accessible to the public. As a plaque, it is typically affixed to an exterior wall of the building where Fernand Contandin was born. Visitors can approach the site directly from the street to view the inscription. It is a publicly available memorial, allowing for respectful viewing at any time. The plaque offers a moment of reflection for those interested in the history of French cinema and the life of one of its most iconic figures.

Inscription

“Ici est né le 8 mai 1903 Fernand Contandin dit Fernandel acteur comédien décédé le 26 février 1971”
Transcribed from the Memorial at Marseille.

Background

Ici est né le 8 mai 1903 Fernand Contandin dit Fernandel acteur comédien décédé le 26 février 1971

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.

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Data sources

Location records are drawn from open, licence-clean datasets, kept here with attribution and gratitude to the people who maintain them.

  • Open Plaques, dedicated to the public domain (CC0). See openplaques.org.
  • Wikidata, available under the CC0 1.0 Universal dedication.
  • © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence.
  • Historic England, National Heritage List for England, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. War memorial records are drawn from open community datasets (OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, NHLE) - never from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is excluded.

Editorial descriptions, photography and tribute links are original TributeLegacy work, layered on top of the open data.

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