Actor cast by Terry Gilliam as the lead in infamous project The Man Who Killed Don Quixote

Born: April 29, 1930;

Died: October 9, 2017

JEAN Rochefort, who has died aged 87, was a French actor who starred in more than 100 movies over half a century, although one of his famous roles was one that never happened: Don Quixote.

Rochefort was first cast in the role by Terry Gilliam in the mid 1990s when the director was preparing his film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. Rochefort looked perfect for the role and production started in 1998.

However, the production was then hit by a number of problems, including the fact that Rochefort fell ill and could not fulfill one of the central requirements of the role: sitting on a horse. The film was suspended and then cancelled.

Gilliam's many attempts to restart the project with different actors went on to become one of the most infamous examples of development hell in film history, although it was announced earlier this year that Gilliam had finally finished the project, some 19 years after he first approached Rochefort for the role. In the finished film, the part is played by Jonathan Pryce.

Gilliam had chosen Rochefort for the part partly because of his obvious physical suitability but also because of his reputation for comedy and farce, often in films directed by Yves Robert. Later in his career, he also appeared in Mr Bean's Holiday and Asterix and Obelix: God Save Britannia in 2012.

Rochefort was born in Paris, the son of a bank worker, and studied acting at the Paris Conservatoire in the 1950s. After graduating, he started out in cabaret and stage plays, although he also started to developed a career in television. It was another 20 years though before he began to establish an international reputation in films. Instantly recognisable with his trademark moustache and dandy style, he was applauded for his versatility and great sense of humour.

In his long career, Rochefort, who also became known for costume dramas, won three Cesar awards, the equivalent of the Academy Awards in the United States.

French culture minister Francoise Nyssen confirmed his death after French media reported he had died in a Paris hospital. Ms Nyssen wrote in a Twitter message: "Deep sadness following Jean Rochefort's death, an elegant, endearing and beloved actor. A great master."

He is survived by his second wife Francoise Vidal and his six children.