Parents of Marcel Marceau: Marcel Marceau was a French actor and mime artist, known for his iconic performances that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. He was born on March 22, 1923, in Strasbourg, France, to Charles Mangel and Anne Werzberg, who were Jewish immigrants from Poland.

Marcel Marceau

Early Life and Career:

Marcel Marceau grew up in a Jewish family in Strasbourg and attended a local Jewish school before moving to Paris in 1944. During World War II, he joined the French Resistance and adopted the pseudonym “Marcel Marceau” to protect his family’s identity. After the war, he studied mime with Etienne Decroux and debuted his first show in 1947.

Marcel Marceau’s Parents:

Charles Mangel and Anne Werzberg: Marcel Marceau’s parents, Charles Mangel and Anne Werzberg, were both born in Poland and moved to France in the early 1900s. They met and married in Strasbourg, where Marcel was born. During World War II, Charles was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to the Dachau concentration camp, where he perished. Anne, along with Marcel’s brother and sister, managed to escape and survived the war in hiding.

Legacy and Achievements:

Marcel Marceau went on to become one of the most famous and respected performers of his time, known for his signature character “Bip the Clown” and his ability to convey emotions and tell stories without words. He performed all over the world and received numerous awards and honors, including the National Order of Merit in France and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild. Marcel Marceau passed away on September 22, 2007, in Cahors, France, at the age of 84.  Marcel Marceau’s parents, Charles Mangel and Anne Werzberg, played a significant role in shaping his life and career. Their experiences during World War II had a profound impact on Marcel’s work and inspired him to use his art to promote peace and understanding. Marcel Marceau’s legacy lives on through his performances and the Marcel Marceau Foundation, which continues to promote his artistic and humanitarian vision.