Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia
Hoffmann, Guy
Magnificent character actor born in France April 7, 1916; died in Montreal, Quebec, March 6, 1986.
After working with Compagnons de Saint-Laurent, he helped found the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde/TNM, where he acted and directed until his death, notably in many of the works of Molière. He appeared in the celebrated Michael Langham production of Shakespeare's Henry V, at the Stratford Festival in 1956, in which francophones played the French.
Guy Hoffmann also acted and directed at the Théâtre du Rideau Vert (appearing in and directing La Puce à l'oreille, 1962, Un Fil à la patte, 1969, La Dame de Chez Maxim's and Quatre pièces sur jardin, 1970; and acting only in Dreyfus and Le Lion en hiver, 1976; La répétition ou l'amour puni, 1983).
Hoffmann also had a very good television and film career, appearing in Agnes of God (1985), Y'a pas de problème (1975), and Les as (1977). He was married to Monique Chentrier.
His performances were marked by a huge presence, a fine voice, and a compelling amiability.
Viewings: Côté cour... côté jardin, National Film Board, 1953, dir: Roger Blais - backstage during a TNM performance of L'Avare/The Miser
Profile by Gaetan Charlebois.
Last updated 2021-02-01
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The Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia web site was originally conceived and developed in 1996 by Gaetan Charlebois—theatre critic, playwright, and actor.
