Born in Italy in 1921 and raised in France, he became a celebrated actor and singer. Rising to fame in the post-war era, he was renowned for his charismatic performances in films like "The Wages of Fear" and "Z." His deep, emotive singing voice earned him acclaim in music halls across Europe. Off-screen, he was known for his political engagement and high-profile marriage to actress Simone Signoret. His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on both French cinema and music.