Maaike Jansen: A Life dedicated to the Stage
maaike Jansen, a beloved French actress known for her vibrant stage presence and enduring partnership wiht her husband, Roland Giraud, has passed away at the age of 83.
Jansen’s journey began in 1966 with a small role in the film “Fantômas Against scotland Yard.” However, her talent quickly shone through, leading her to embrace a career that spanned decades and captivated audiences both on stage and screen.
Her collaboration with Giraud, whom she married in 1966, was a cornerstone of her artistic life. The pair met as extras on the set of the film ”Ghost” and their shared passion for the performing arts blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They graced numerous theatrical productions together,from “Zonga’s Secret” and “The revenche of Louis XI” in 1976 to “Hiring” in 2003 and “The Technician” in 2010. their final performance together was in “I Hate Letters” in 2020, a tour tragically cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond their professional achievements, Jansen and Giraud shared a profound personal tragedy. In 2004, their only daughter, actress Géraldine Giraud, was murdered. The loss deeply affected the couple,casting a shadow over their lives. the perpetrator, Jean-Pierre Treiber, was found hanged in 2010, claiming innocence, but the case remains unsolved.
Jansen’s dedication to her craft was unwavering. She embraced the challenges of comedy,believing that “the comedy is above all the rhythm.” She was known for her versatility, taking on roles ranging from a dog trainer in Shirley and Dino’s film ”Cabaret Paradis” to voice acting in various television productions.
Maaike Jansen leaves behind a legacy of talent, passion, and resilience. Her absence will be deeply felt by the French theater community and all who were touched by her artistry.
Remembering Maaike Jansen: A Legacy of Laughter and Resilience
(Interview by Time.News)
(Interviewee): Sophie Dubois, French theater Critic & Historian
Q: Maaike Jansen’s passing at 83 marks a significant loss for the French theater world. Could you elaborate on the scope of her impact?
A: Certainly. Maaike jansen’s career spanned decades, during which she charmed audiences with her vibrant stage presence and undeniable comedic talent. Though initially recognized through small roles in films like “fantômas Against Scotland Yard”, her real passion lay on stage.
Q: What distinguished Maaike Jansen’s on-stage performances?
A: Jansen possessed a natural charisma and undeniable comedic timing. Her dedication to rhythm, her belief that “comedy is above all the rhythm,” really resonated through her performances, creating moments that were both heartwarming and hilarious. She wasn’t confined by genre, successfully portraying diverse roles ranging from serious dramas to heartwarming comedies.
Q: Jansen’s long-lasting partnership with Roland Giraud was particularly celebrated.Can you elaborate on their contribution to French theater?
A: The partnership of Maaike Jansen and Roland Giraud wasn’t simply a professional one, it blossomed from a profound mutual love of performing. Their journey, ignited when they were extras on the set of a film, eventually saw them grace countless productions together, forging a bond both on-screen and behind-the-scenes. The tragedies they endured,notably the murder of their daughter Géraldine Giraud,only seemed to strengthen their connection,reflecting an unwavering strength of spirit.
Q: Beyond performances, Jansen explored diffrent facets of acting. How diverse was her range?
A: Jansen showcased remarkable versatility throughout her career.
Alongside theater, she lent her talent to both cinema and voice-acting. Whether portraying characters in Shirley & Dino’s “Cabaret Paradis” or lending her voice to various television productions, Jansen constantly sought new artistic avenues, refusing to be pigeon-holed.
Q: How would you summarize Maaike Jansen’s legacy in the context of contemporary French theater?
A: Jansen’s legacy is multi-faceted: it’s the laughter that her performances inspired, the poignant tragedies she confronted both personally and artistically, and the sheer tenacity with which she embraced new challenges. Maaike Jansen represents the dedication, resilience, and boundless creative spirit that are truly the cornerstone of a captivating artistic career.
