Jean Cocteau

Born

July 5, 1889

Died

1963

From

Maisons-Laffitte, Seine-et-Oise [now Yvelines], France·Milly-la-Forêt, Essonne, France

Also:
Writer
Actor
Director

Credits on file

Decades active

In short · Wrote for 10 decades — 66 credits.

Remembered for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

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Biography

Jean Cocteau was a versatile artist of the 20th century, known for his work as a director, poet, novelist, painter, playwright, set designer, and actor. He began writing at age 10 and was published as a poet by 16. He collaborated with Sergei Diaghilev's Russian Ballet company and participated in various art movements, though he remained fundamentally a poet. His films reflect this poetic sensibility. Cocteau was homosexual and did not conceal this aspect of his life. His close friend Jean Marais, his favorite actor, appeared in nearly all of his films. Cocteau directed approximately twelve films, each rich in symbolism and surreal imagery. He is now considered one of the most significant avant-garde directors in cinema.

Filmography · 51 of 51

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