In a somber turn of events, the renowned French actor, Alain Dorval, known for lending his voice to Sylvester Stallone’s iconic characters in Rocky and Rambo, as well as voicing Pat Hibulaire in Disney’s universe, has left us at the age of 77. His family announced his passing on the morning of Tuesday, February 13, after a prolonged battle with illness.
The Voice of Rocky and Rambo
Alain Dorval, the talented actor, breathed life into the characters of Rocky and Rambo with his distinctive voice. The news of his demise was conveyed by his family through a statement, revealing his valiant fight against cancer over the past few years.
Theatrical Success
Beyond his dubbing achievements, Alain Dorval was a successful stage actor. From the late 1960s onward, he graced various theatrical productions, showcasing his versatility and talent on stage.
Before becoming the voice behind beloved characters, Alain Dorval was primarily a stage actor. He received training at the Simon Drama School before joining the prestigious Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Paris. His theatrical career saw him in plays such as “L’Arme blanche” by Victor Haïm, “La Naissance d’Armand Gatti,” “Tête d’or” by Paul Claudel, “La Nuit des rois” by William Shakespeare, and “Lady Pain d’épice” by Neil Simon.
Rising to Fame through Dubbing
Dorval’s influence extended beyond Stallone’s characters. He became a prominent figure in the world of dubbing, providing his voice to other actors and animated characters. From Pat Hibulaire in Disney’s universe to Autobot Ratchet in “Transformers” and the endearing cat Tiger in “Fievel,” his vocal contributions resonated across different genres.
While his roots were in theatre, Alain Dorval gained widespread recognition through his work as a dubbing actor. In 1976, he lent his raspy voice to the then-unknown Sylvester Stallone in the first Rocky film, a role that would become iconic. He continued to dub Stallone in numerous films, from the Rambo saga to the Expendables tetralogy, including titles like Cliffhanger, Judge Dredd, and even Stallone’s puppet on the satirical show “Les Guignols de l’info.”
Diverse Dubbing Career
Alain Dorval extended his prolific career to dubbing for other actors, including Nick Nolte, and voiced animated characters such as the antagonist Mickey Pat Hibulaire, Autobot Ratchet in Transformers, and the lovable cat Tiger in Fievel. His vocal talents also graced characters in video games, radio stations, television channels, and advertisements.
A Committed Individual
Beyond his professional achievements, Alain Dorval was a devoted family man. Married to actress Dominique Dumont, they share a daughter, Aurore Bergé, who has ventured into politics and currently serves as the Minister Delegate for Gender Equality and the Fight against Discrimination.
In the late 1980s, the Algerian-born actor took a stand against the working conditions of dubbing actors, prompting some film studios to replace him. Michel Vigné and, notably, Richard Darbois took over his roles in several Sylvester Stallone films from 2001 onward, including “Haute Sécurité,” “Tango & Cash,” “Demolition Man,” “Copland,” and “Driven.”
Alain Dorval’s departure marks the end of an era for French dubbing and theatre. His legacy lives on through the characters he brought to life, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the countless fans who cherished his remarkable contributions.
Alain Dorval film industry professionals Sylvester Stallone
Last modified: February 13, 2024
