France, May 13 -- A larger than life figure with a career - and a reputation - to match, Gerard Depardieu is among the few stars of French cinema to be equally well known outside the country.

One of the most prolific actors in film history, Depardieu has appeared in more than 200 films and television series since his on-screen debut in 1967, working withdirectors including Jean-Luc Godard, Francois Truffaut, Alain Resnais, Claude Chabrol, Ridley Scott and Bernardo Bertolucci.

A national icon in France - Depardieu is a Chevalier of theLegion d'honneurand of theOrdre national du Merite - he has made the rare crossover to stardom in the anglophone world, with his Hollywood hits including Green Card (1990), for which he won the Golden Globe...