Actor Playing de Gaulle Vows Never to Vote Right-Wing
Actor Simon Abkarian, who portrays Charles de Gaulle in a new French film, has publicly stated he would never vote for the right or far right despite playing the iconic nationalist leader.
Simon Abkarian, who plays the iconic French leader in a two-part film about the man who led Free France during World War II, made the striking statement in an interview with Libération published on May 1st. His comments come as the first installment of the cinematic project, titled La Bataille de Gaulle: L’Âge de fer and directed by Antonin Baudry, was released on June 3rd.
The declaration represents an unusual promotional strategy for an actor tasked with bringing a historical figure to life on screen. Abkarian appears compelled to reassure the cultural establishment that accepting the role of de Gaulle does not mean endorsing the ideas of his political heirs, Valeurs Actuelles reports.
In a separate interview with La Voix du Nord on June 2nd, Abkarian explained his approach to the role differently, stating he sought to capture the General’s profound essence and maintain the flame that burned within him. He acknowledged de Gaulle’s unwavering obsession with France that connected his public and private personas.
De Gaulle himself famously wrote in his war memoirs that France could not be France without greatness. Yet for Abkarian, this flame appears confined to the film set rather than extending to any contemporary political identification with the right.
A Globalist Playing a French Nationalist Icon
Abkarian’s background may explain his political positioning. Born into a family of Armenian origin, he grew up in Lebanon before moving to Los Angeles and eventually Paris, where he has pursued his theatrical career since 1985. His cosmopolitan trajectory fits the profile of what British essayist David Goodhart categorized as an “anywhere” person who benefits from and supports globalization.
This stands in stark contrast to General de Gaulle, who embodied French nationalism and sovereignty throughout his life and political career.
A Pattern Among French Actors
Abkarian’s statement echoes similar declarations from other French actors portraying national heroes. Gilles Lellouche, who plays Resistance leader Jean Moulin in a recent film, has invoked his character to justify his own political battles against what he calls the far right, claiming to defend republican values and the principles that make France great.
The pattern raises questions about whether actors portraying French historical figures feel pressure to publicly disavow any contemporary political movements associated with patriotism or national sovereignty, even when those figures themselves championed such values.
With information from Valeurs Actuelles
