Jean Richard is a famous French actor. He was born April 18, 1921, in the town of Bessines, France and began his career as a caricaturist before acting in comedy films. Although he played a part in more than 80 movies, it was his TV role as Maigret that made him famous. He portrayed the famous inspector character from Georges Simenon's novels for over 20 years. He also created the well-known Jean Richard Circus. He died on December 12, 2001, due to complications from cancer.