Adopted a son, Serge
Apart from being a stage and film actor, he was also a writer and a noteworthy painter and sculptor.
As a child, he dreamed of becoming an actor but he was twice rejected when he applied to drama schools. During World War II, he worked in film and on the stage during the German occupation of France (1940-1944). After the Allies liberated Paris in August 1944, he joined France's Second Armored Division and served as a truck driver carrying fuel and ammunition to the front.
As he also was a respected sculptor, his monument "Le passe muraille" (The Walker Through Walls) honoring French author Marcel Aymé can be seen in the Montmatre Quarter in Paris.
Had a brother, Henri.
Head of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1985
His mentor was Jean Cocteau, who was also his lover between 1937 and 1963 (his death).
Is buried in Vallauris, France.
Member of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1958
Receiver of the French Legion of Honor (1996).
Started his professional career as caddy.
Was raised by his mother and his grandmother in Le Vésinet near Paris.