Jean-Paul Vignon’s career explored after Shrek actor dies at 89

On April 3, 2024, the family of Jean-Paul Vignon announced the passing of the 89-year-old French actor and singer who had been battling liver cancer. Vignon began his career in the early 1950s as a member of a Paris cabaret and went on to have notable roles in popular shows such as Gilmore Girls and Days of Our Lives.

Despite his successful acting career, Jean-Paul Vignon was also renowned for his singing abilities. This led to a record deal with Columbia Records in 1964, resulting in the release of his first album, Because I Love You, in the United States.

The actor’s distinct Gallic accent made him a sought-after choice to serve as the French narrator for Marc Webb’s romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer and the American animated film Shrek.

Vignon’s birthplace was France on January 30, 1935.

The Multi-Talented Jean-Paul Vignon: From Shrek Artist to Musician

Jean-Paul Vignon’s family announced his passing via his Facebook page on April 3. However, despite battling cancer, the French actor and singer never disclosed his diagnosis publicly.

Vignon made his start as a musician in France, with his French debut in Les Promesses Dangereuses and Asphalte. Additionally, he was signed as a vocalist for Disques Vogue, a French record label.

Inspired by French singer Edith Piaf, Jean-Paul Vignon wrote and recorded an autobiographical song entitled Djibouti. He then relocated to the United States, making an appearance as a singer on the popular musical variety show, The Ed Sullivan Show. Additionally, he had the opportunity to perform a duet with the talented American actress and singer, Liza Minnelli.

In 1974, Jean-Paul Vignon’s duet with American actress Farrah Fawcett, titled You, was released by the Nelson Barry Recordings label. He had previously displayed his talent in prominent cities across the United States such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.

In 1994, journalist Robert Koehler of Los Angeles Times proposed that Vignon embodied the American ideal of a French romantic singer.

“Vignon fulfilled the American image of the romantic, singing Frenchman. Ironically, rather than compare his voice to such renowned Gallic crooners as Maurice Chevalier and Gilbert Bécaud, Vignon says that he has a Bobby Darin kind of voice, able to sing fast and passionate or gentle and slow.”

In addition to his successful singing career, Vignon also made a name for himself as an actor, portraying a supporting character alongside William Holden and Cliff Robertson in the 1968 World War II film The Devil’s Brigade.

Vignon appeared as a regular guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and also hosted the Canadian program The Sensuous Man, which was produced by Dick Clark.

In addition, Jean-Paul Vignon was featured in other television programs including The Rockford Files, Hotel, Falcon Crest, and L.A. Law.

Vignon’s most acclaimed acting role was providing the voice for a Merry Man in Shrek, an American animated fantasy comedy film. His voice is featured when Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey come across a group of antagonists.

Vignon lent his voice to the character Gena in the Russian animated feature film The Adventures of Cheburashka and Friends. Additionally, in 2009, he provided narration for the romantic comedy 500 Days of Summer, which starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel.

Moreover, Gordon-Levitt’s voice is audible as his character visits the cinema by himself following his breakup with Deschanel’s character. He subsequently dozed off and had a dream about a French film, which was narrated by Vignon.

Jean-Paul Vignon is survived by his partner, Suzie Summers, as well as his daughters Marguerite Vignon Gaul (from his previous marriage to the late actress Brigid Bazlen) and Lucy Brank, and two granddaughters.