MEL BROOKS - FRENCH MIME ARTIST MARCEL MARCEAU DEAD

FRENCH MIME ARTIST MARCEL MARCEAU DEAD

Renowned French mime artist Marcel Marceau, famous for his portrayal of character Bip, has died at the age of 84.

Marceau gained fame around the world for playing the sad, silent clown wearing a striped pullover and battered hat.

He began studying acting in 1946 under famous mime teacher Etienne Decroux. A year later, his character Bip first appeared on stage and made appearances on stage around the world over Marceau's career.

The mime artist founded a school for the art, the Ecole de Mimodrame, in Paris in 1978 and is well-known for his film performances as well.

A memorable performance was in Mel Brooks' Silent Movie where he was the only character to utter a word.

Marceau has received many honorary degrees and was given the French government's most prestigious award – the Legion of Honour – for his performances.

He was born in Strasbourg in 1923 and fought for the French resistance against the invading Nazi army during the second world war.

Details of the actor's funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.