10 Ridiculous Ways Actors Were TRICKED Into Movie Roles
7. Jean De Florette - Yves Montand Was Convinced To Screen Test As A Stand In
Franco-Italian actor and singer Yves Montand was 65 when he deemed himself much too youthful to portray César Soubeyran a.k.a Le Papet (grandfather), a manipulative patriarch of a fading family.
Director Claude Berri remained vigilant, determined to cast the veteran crooner opposite stars Gérard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil. To finally net him, Berri concocted a devious strategy. Under the false pretence of helping another actor screen test for a role, Montand agreed to don the old man make-up required for the character. Impressed with how convincing he looked, Montand backtracked and agreed to take the part.
Relieved that he'd finally broken down the the age-related wall and netted his ideal performer, Berri commenced filming.
Sadly the setbacks didn't end there with Montand's wife, actress Simone Signoret, passing way during filming. Devastated, Montand continued the shoot. Given his initial hesitance in taking the role, it's especially surprising to note Montand stayed on to film the sequel, Manon des Sources.
The 2 films together were among Montand's most acclaimed performances and the final major production Montand took part in before his death in 1991.