Jean-Alexis Moncorge started his career with 15 years at the theatre and debut ed at the "Moulin Rouge" in Paris in 1929. Despite of his rude aspect he knew to be the gentleman of the French cinema in the time between the two World Wars. One of his most popular personalities was inspector Maigret. But he was also able to play all other kind of people: aristocrats, farmers, thieves and managers. He never stopped working and when death surprised him in 1976 he was still an institution for the French audience.

Children from marriage with Dominique Fournier : Florence Moncorgé-Gabin (1950), Valérie Moncorgé (1952) and Mathias Moncorgé (1956).After his death the body was cremated and ashes were thrown overboard from the military ship "Détroyat".He didn't want his daughter Florence to become an actress and tried in every way to prevent her to do. When she married a jockey against his will he didn't go to the wedding ceremony but sent a friend, the actor Lino Ventura .His second wife Jeanne Mouchine was a former chorus girl of the Casino de Paris. After divorce he was sentenced to pay her 60 millions francs.Male winner of 1953 Lemon Prize, awarded by French journalists to the nastiest French actors.His parents, Ferdinand Moncorgé and Hélène Petit, were performers and singers in low-class shows.Portrayed on a postage stamp issued on Oct. 3, 1998 by the French Post Office.Grandfather of Jean-Paul Moncorgé .Was Sergio Leone 's favorite actor.Youngest of seven childrenFollowing the German occupation of France, he emigrated to Hollywood At that time, he began a romance with Marlene Dietrich and lived there until 1943.Was made an officer of France's Legion of Honor (1960).He enlisted as a tank commander in the 2nd free French armored division an he fought in France and in Germany until the end of the war.Made his debut on stage as a variety singer.