Roland Topor
Biography
Roland Topor was a French illustrator, cartoonist, comics artist, painter, novelist, playwright, film and TV writer, filmmaker and actor. He was known for the surreal nature of his work. Topor gained notoriety as one of the home cartoonists of the subversive French magazine Hara-Kiri, later renamed Charlie-Hebdo. He wrote the novel The Tenant, which was adapted to film by Roman Polanski in 1976. Topor's work explored themes of alienation and identity, raising questions about how we define ourselves. He was born in Paris, France on January 7, 1938, and passed away on April 16, 1997, at the age of 59. Topor's writing credits include 44 known works.
Career overview
Roland Topor was a prolific writer known for the surreal nature of his work. He gained notoriety as a cartoonist for the subversive French magazine Hara-Kiri, later renamed Charlie-Hebdo. Topor's writing often explored themes of alienation and identity.
One of his notable works is the novel The Tenant, published in 1964. The novel was later adapted into a film by Roman Polanski in 1976. The story follows a Parisian of Polish descent, delving into the complexities of self-definition.
As a writer, Roland Topor is credited with numerous works, with a total of 44 known credits. His writing often blended elements of surrealism, making him a distinctive voice in the literary and artistic world.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Roland Topor.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
53 titles- Joko (2024) Theatre Play
- Portrait of Suzanne (2019) Original Story
- Les vendredis d'Apostrophes (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- The Orphan Plus Minus an Arm (2012) Original Story
- Fantastic Laloux (2010) as Self
- Batailles (2008) Theatre Play
- L'Hiver sous la table (2005) Author
- Topor and Me (2004) as Self (Voice)
- Le Cinéma au travail comme la mort (1997)
- Three Lives and Only One Death (1996) as Bum #2
- Comment devenir cinéaste sans se prendre la tête (1995) as Maître Bessonet
- Topor, Père et Fils (1993)
- The Most Beautiful Breasts in the World (1990) Story
- De l'autre côté (1989) Writer
- Marquis (1989) Writer
- Marquis (1989) Art Direction
- Palace (1988) Writer
- Nulle part ailleurs (1987) as Self
- The Satin Spider (1986) as Le médecin
- La Galette du roi (1986) Writer
- Swann in Love (1984) as Biche
- Telecat (1983) Characters
- Telecat (1983) Writer
- Telecat (1983) Creator
- The Ones That Got Away (1981) as The murderous fencer
- Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) as Renfield
- Destins parallèles (1979)
- The Making of 'Nosferatu' (1979) as Self
- Ratataplan (1979) as The Boss
- The Hamburg Syndrome (1979) Writer
- Ciné regards (1978) as Self
- The Tenant (1976) Novel
- Apostrophes (1975) as Self
- The Game (1975) Writer
- The Butcher, the Star and the Orphan (1975) as Inspector Labelote
- The Butcher, the Star and the Orphan (1975) Writer
- The Butcher, the Star and the Orphan (1975) Dialogue
- The Daughter of the Railroad Crossing Guard (1975) as Le pochard
- The Daughter of the Railroad Crossing Guard (1975) Writer
- Sweet Movie (1974)
- Italiques: Roland Topor (1974) as Self
- Threshold of the Void (1974) as Homme dans le métro
- Fantastic Planet (1973) Screenplay
- Midi trente (1972) as Self
- Cartoon circus (1972) as Self
- The Troubles of Alfred (1972) Writer
- The Snails (1966) Draughtsman
- The Snails (1966) Screenplay
- Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? (1966) as Un émissaire du prince
- He! Viva Dada (1965) as Self
- He! Viva Dada (1965) Writer
- Dead Times (1964) Writer
- Dead Times (1964) Draughtsman
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Roland Topor best known for?
Roland Topor is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Long Watch (2026), Marquis (1989), Marquis (1989), Palace (1988).
When and where was Roland Topor born?
Roland Topor was born on January 7, 1938 in Paris, France. They passed away on April 16, 1997.
How many credits does Roland Topor have?
Roland Topor has accumulated over 53 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1964 to 2024.
What is Roland Topor's background in cinema and television?
Roland Topor was a French illustrator, cartoonist, comics artist, painter, novelist, playwright, film and TV writer, filmmaker and actor. He was known for the surreal nature of his work. Topor gained notoriety as one of the home cartoonists of the subversive French magazine Hara-Kiri, later renamed Charlie-Hebdo. He wr...
Roland Topor by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Apostrophes (1975) as Self — aged about 37
- Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) as Renfield — aged about 41
- Cartoon circus (1972) as Self — aged about 34
- Nulle part ailleurs (1987) as Self — aged about 49
- Midi trente (1972) as Self — aged about 34
- Swann in Love (1984) as Biche — aged about 46
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Roland Topor.