Actor. Primarily a stage performer, he made occasional but distinguished appearances in the French cinema. Daste is best remembered for his work with director Jean Vigo, who gave him the lead roles in his films “Zero for Conduct” (1933) and “L’Atalante” (1934). His other screen credits include “Boudu Saved from Drowning” (1932), “The Crime of Monsieur Lange” (1936), “The Grand Illusion” (1937), “Stormy Waters” (1941), “Z” (1969), “The Wild Child” (1970), “The Man Who Loved Women” (1976), “The Green Room” (1978), “Moliere” (1978), “My American Uncle” (1980), and “White Wedding” (1989). Jean Georges Gustave Daste was born in Paris and launched his acting career as a teen. He served in the French Army during World War II. In 1947 he founded the Comedie de St.-Etienne theatre company, which he directed until shortly before his death. It is now named for him. (bio by: Bobb Edwards)