Jacques Martial, Beloved Voice of Samuel L. Jackson & Paris Official, Dies at 69
PARIS, FRANCE – In a heartbreaking loss for the French arts community and the city of Paris, Jacques Martial, a celebrated actor, prolific voice actor – best known as the French voice of Samuel L. Jackson and Denzel Washington – and assistant to the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has died after a long illness. He was 69 years old.
A Versatile Talent: From ‘Navarro’ to Hollywood Legends
Martial’s career spanned decades, encompassing stage, screen, and the recording booth. While many will recognize his face from his role as a bain-marie in the popular French police series Navarro alongside Roger Hanin, his contributions extended far beyond. He collaborated with iconic filmmakers including Samuel Fuller, John Berry, Sam Karmann, and Robert Kramer, leaving an indelible mark on French cinema. But it was his voice work that truly resonated with generations of French moviegoers.
He wasn’t just a voice; he *was* Samuel L. Jackson for countless French audiences. Martial lent his distinctive tone and nuanced delivery to Jackson’s roles for years, alongside voicing Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes. This talent for capturing the essence of these American stars cemented his place as a highly sought-after doubluer (voice actor) in France.
Beyond the Spotlight: A Champion of Cultural Remembrance
Jacques Martial’s commitment extended far beyond the entertainment industry. Born in Saint-Mandé (Val-de-Marne) to Guadeloupean parents, he dedicated a significant portion of his life to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the French overseas territories. He was a passionate advocate for the memory of slavery and the visibility of Black artists.
This dedication manifested in his powerful stage performance in Aimé Césaire’s Back to the Native Country, a seminal work of postcolonial literature. He further demonstrated his commitment by chairing the Memorial Act, the Museum of Slavery in Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), from 2015 to 2020, playing a crucial role in educating and remembering a painful chapter in history. This role wasn’t simply administrative; it was deeply personal, reflecting his heritage and a profound sense of responsibility.
A Respected Colleague and Dedicated Public Servant
Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, described Martial as “a great man of theater, cinema and television.” Deputy for Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, echoed this sentiment, praising him as “kind, cultivated, full of humor,” and “unanimously appreciated by all his colleagues.” His appointment as an assistant to the Mayor in November 2022, specifically in charge of overseas affairs, underscored his value to the city and his expertise in representing the interests of its diverse communities.
The art of voice acting, often unseen, is a crucial element in the global reach of cinema. Martial’s skill wasn’t merely about mimicking a voice; it was about embodying a character, conveying emotion, and bridging cultural gaps. His work highlights the importance of localization in the film industry and the power of voice to connect audiences across borders. The French dubbing industry, renowned for its quality, owes a debt to talents like Jacques Martial.
Jacques Martial’s passing leaves a void in the French cultural landscape. His legacy as a gifted performer, a dedicated public servant, and a passionate advocate for cultural remembrance will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations of artists and activists. His voice, though silenced, will continue to resonate through the countless films and memories he helped create.
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