French actor and Jean-Paul Belmondo's co-star Pierre Vernier dies aged 93

Pierre Vernier, a member of the "Bande du Conservatoire" in the 1950s with Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean-Pierre Marielle and Jean Rochefort, has died at the age of 93

The acting world is mourning the loss of Pierre Vernier, who passed away on Wednesday at the grand age of 93, his family confirmed on Saturday.

The esteemed actor was a cherished member of "the Conservatory gang", sharing the stage with icons like Jean-Paul Belmondo and Annie Girardot. His illustrious career saw him shine in numerous films, including hits like 'The Professional' and 'Itinerary of a Spoiled Child'.

With a career spanning around sixty films, Vernier graced the screen in many beloved classics, often appearing with his close friend Bebel, in movies like 'Le professionnel' (1981) and 'Itineraire d'un enfant gate' (1988), where he portrayed a priest.

He once quipped in 2001: "Be careful, I also exist without him", referring to Belmondo, whom he viewed as the epitome of professional conscience.

Though not a household name, Pierre Vernier was a familiar face to audiences, known for his tall, gentlemanly presence, contemplative expression, and signature brown lock of hair.

As one of the last remaining figures of the "Bande du Conservatoire", which consisted mainly of students from the Conservatoire national superieur d'art dramatique in Paris in the early '50s, Vernier's legacy is intertwined with that of other greats like Francoise Fabian, Jean Rochefort, Claude Rich, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Bruno Cremer, and Annie Girardot.

Pierre Vernier, born Pierre Louis Rayer in Saint-Jean d'Angely in Charente and passed away in Vic-Fezensac, in the Gers, was a renowned actor who had the privilege of working with esteemed directors such as Henri Verneuil and Joseph Losey (in Monsieur Klein with Alain Delon in 1976).

A passionate equestrian like Jean Rochefort, Vernier remained active on television throughout his career. In 2008, he portrayed General de Gaulle, a role that earned him several acting accolades.

Vernier shot to fame in 1964 with the soap opera Rocambole, where he played the title role of the vigilante. On stage, Vernier performed under the guidance of notable directors including Raymond Rouleau, Georges Wilson, Jean-Louis Barrault and Roger Planchon.

As a Knight of the National Order of Merit and Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, Vernier remained deeply committed to charitable causes until his final days, his close ones highlighted.

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