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Charles Gir (1883 - 1941)
Jeanne Fusier-Gir (1885 - 1973)
A couple of artists
Charles Gir was born in Tours. Painter, illustrator, caricaturist, poster artist, sculptor. Like many Parisian artists who like painting from life, Charles Gir found new inspiration, lights and landscapes in Epiais, in the Vexin area.
He moved to Grisy in 1920.
As a painter in Montmartre, Charles Gir, with a keen eye and a stroke full of humour, had had a taste of everything: the high life,the politics, theatre, variety (Mistinguett/Joséphine Baker), Russian Ballets and those of the Opera.
As a soldier during the “Great War”, he was witness to the foot soldiers’ tragic everyday life, sinking into an endless war.
It was right here in his studio, that he expressed, by means of a monumental sculpture representing “Don Quixote”, his desire for a “different” world, even if utopian. Today the sculpture is placed on the terrace of the Val d’Oise prefecture in Cergy. Don Quixote defying the institution.
Jeanne Fusier-Gir was born in Paris. She was an actress, student at the Conservatory of Dramatic Art and the daughter of Léon Fusie, a popular comic in the 1880s.
She was part of the Firmin Gémier Company that founded the Théâtre National Populaire (TNP) in 1920. Sacha Guitry, the dramatic author, was a friend and partner and regularly called upon her.
From silent to talking movies, until 1966, she played in more than 180 films with the greatest, Henri-Georges Clouzot, Henri Verneuil, Marcel Carné; alongside actors like Louis Jouvet, Michel Simon, Bernard Blier and... Sacha Guitry.
From 1903 to 1965 she played in about 40 plays until the age of 80. She was a mischievous and funny comedienne, acquired great popularity and her voice is still easily recognisable among all. At the age of 81, she played her last part in
“Le jardinier d’Argenteuil” with Jean Gabin.
The Legion d’Honneur would later reward her great career.
Jeanne Fusier-Gir and Charles Gir were laid to rest together in Grisy’s cemetery.
