Benoît Allemane: The Actor and Iconic French Voice of Morgan Freeman Passes Away at 82

Theater, film, television actor, and renowned voice artist Benoît Allemane passed away on Sunday, January 5, at the age of 82. The news, confirmed on Monday, January 6, by actor and director Lionel Auguste, was shared by H24 NEWS.

A Voice Like No Other

Benoît Allemane possessed one of the most recognizable voices in French dubbing. He was best known as the French voice of American actor Morgan Freeman, a role he first took on in the 1992 film Unforgiven. Beyond this iconic role, he left a lasting mark on animation, voicing memorable characters such as Zeus in Disney’s Hercules, Baloo in TaleSpin and The Jungle Book, and Santa Claus in films like The Magic Snowflake and Santa’s Apprentice.

His talent also shone in Japanese animation, where he lent his voice to series such as Angel Heart, Fairy Tail, and Full Metal Alchemist. Additionally, he was a frequent narrator for documentaries, showcasing his versatility as a voice artist.

A Distinguished Career

Born in 1942 in Clermont-Ferrand, Benoît Allemane studied at the National School of the Eastern Drama Center in Strasbourg in the 1960s. His artistic journey led him to the theater and the small screen, where he appeared in series such as Julie Lescaut, Plus belle la vie, and Alice Nevers. On the big screen, he featured in films like My Father the Hero by Gérard Lauzier, Sauvage Innocence by Philippe Garrel, and An Officer and a Spy by Roman Polanski.

A Passionate Advocate for Dubbing

In May of last year, Benoît Allemane participated in the #TouchePasMaVF campaign alongside other legendary voice artists, including Brigitte Lecordier (Noddy, Goku) and Philippe Peythieu (Homer Simpson). The campaign aimed to protect the art of dubbing from the rising influence of artificial intelligence.

A Moving Tribute

Lionel Auguste paid tribute to this “great actor, immensely popular voice, and dear friend” who had contributed to three of his films. Benoît Allemane’s passing leaves a significant void in the world of French dubbing and cinema, where his talent and unmistakable voice touched generations.