Raymond Aimos

Biography

One of the best character actors of the nineteen thirties and early forties, Raymond Aimos (most often simply credited as Aimos) was the quintessential 'titi parisien' (Parisian kid). The numerous characters Aimos embodied (he appeared in at least 105 films) generally corresponded with the person he was in real life: of proletarian origin, lanky, cheeky but with a heart of gold. Born in 1891 in the North of France, he was the son of a clockmaker-jeweler and was expected to follow in his father's footsteps but young Raymond was uncontrollably attracted to show business. He managed to become an operatic singer under the pseudonym of Aimos. He also appeared in a few silent films as of 1912 but his lucky strike was the coming of sound. His physical appearance, his popular roots and mostly his gift of gab were in perfect harmony with the cinema of that time. Aimos was wonderful in masterpieces by René Clair ('Sous les toits de Paris', '14 juillet' Raymond Bernard)' ('Les croix de bois', 'Amants et voleurs'), Julien Duvivier ('Le Paquebot Tenacity', 'La bandera', 'La belle équipe', 'L'homme du jour'), Sacha Guitry ('Ils étaient neuf célibataires'), Marcel Carné ('Quai des brumes') and Jean Grémillon (Lumière d'été). But even when he worked for less distinctive directors his presence was an asset for the film. His most memorable roles are Mulot, the legionary friend of Jean Gabin in 'La Bandera', 'Tintin', one of the five friends who build a riverside café and 'Quart-Vittel', the wreck of 'Quai des brumes'. As courageous in life as he had been in 'La Bandera', Aimos decided to take part in the uprising against the Nazis (which would lead to the Liberation of Paris). He was unfortunately hit by a stray bullet and died a few hours later at the premature age of 55.