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Michael Lonsdale
Played Bond villain Hugo Drax in "Moonraker"
Michael Lonsdale was a French actor whose notable roles included Hugo Drax, the villain in the 1979 James Bond film "Moonraker." For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.
Condolence & Memory Journal
As 1973's THE DAY OF THE JACKAL is one of my all-time favorite films I'm most eager to express condolences to close family and friends who knew Michael Lonsdale as more than a superlative actor. That said his performance as Deputy Chief Inspector Claude Lebel is perhaps my all-time favorite portrayal of a policeman in a movie, fascinatingly analogous to a dog pursuing a cat (Edward Fox's titular Jackal) who's pursuing a mouse (Charles De Gaulle). How fitting John Frankenheimer cast him as the retired French intelligence operative and meticulous diorama maker who gave refuge to Robert DeNiro and Jean Reno in the 1998 film RONIN - what a memorable way to give context to the tenuous employment situation the movie's other characters found themselves in after the Cold War ended! After that scene it hardly mattered what was in the case. While Hugo Drax was one of James Bond's great adversaries I trust Michael has had a most amicable reunion with the equally-missed Roger Moore.
Posted by
Gregg Merksamer - Warwick, NY November 02, 2020
Prayers for the Lonsdale family, so very sorry for your loss.
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A friend October 04, 2020
My condolences.
Posted by
A friend September 25, 2020
Our condolences go out to the Lonsdale family. Michael will be missed by family and friends.
Posted by
LeeT September 25, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to the Lonsdale family, truly sorry for your loss, may God comfort and strengthen as you go through this most difficult time of your loss.
Posted by
A friend September 24, 2020
My condolences to the family. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, during this difficult times.
Posted by
A friend September 24, 2020
Saddened for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences .
Posted by
JE Sowell September 24, 2020
To the family of Mr. Lonsdale. May the God of comfort strengthen you during this difficult time.
Posted by
JE Sowell - Charlotte, NC September 24, 2020
My condolences to the family. May your loving creator provide the support you need. Michael left many wonderful memories in each movie his presence graced. Something time will not take away.
Posted by
Odette Wells September 24, 2020
Rest in peace Commissioner lebel.
Posted by
Ronald Coseteng - Manila September 23, 2020
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Scott Chamberland - Saint Agatha, ME September 23, 2020
He will live in my memory as Inspector Lebel, the relentless policeman in Fred Zinneman's Day Of The Jackal, one of the greatest thrillers ever, and one of Michael Lonsdale's best roles.
Posted by
Mike Lehman September 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Posted by
Matthew McGuire - Cheshire, CT September 23, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's and friends...
Posted by
A friend September 23, 2020
Very saddened to learn of Michael’s death. He was a great actor and most impressive in “The Day of the Jackal.” RIP.
Posted by
Hyder Pirwany - Okehampton September 23, 2020
The end of a great era in acting.Michael Lonsdale's roles spanned the horizon from dawn to dusk,every role played in inimitable style. He became the characters he played with such consumate ease ,slipping into them effortlessly like into a well-tailored suit. He reached the pinnacle of his art and remained there for decades.Few have done so.
Posted by
Philip Fowler - Coimbatore September 22, 2020
My condolences go out to the Lonsdale family on the death of Michael. So sorry for your loss.
Posted by
Taylor September 22, 2020
Godspeed Michael, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the wonderful and unforgettable film memories.
Posted by
Harry Simpson - Buckeye, AZ September 22, 2020