Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (8 May 1903 – 26 February 1971),[1] better known as Fernandel, was a French comic actor.

Born in Marseille, France, to Désirée Bedouin and Denis Contandin, originating in Perosa Argentina, a town located in the province of Turin, Italy,[2] he became a comedy star, first gaining popularity in French vaudeville, operettas, and music-hall revues.

He was perhaps best loved for his portrayal of the irascible Italian village priest at war with the town's Communist mayor in the Don Camillo[5] series of motion pictures.

His popular performance in that film led to his starring with Bob Hope and Anita Ekberg in the 1958 comedy Paris Holiday.

Franck acted alongside his father in two films, Gilles Grangier's L'Âge ingrat and Georges Bianchi's En avant la musique.