Scared Stiff: Jean Gabin Refused Roles Due to This Fear!

During the promotion of his film “L’Année Sainte” (1976), French cinema icon Jean Gabin opened up about one of his personal fears: flying. Known for his straightforwardness, the actor shared his hesitations and past experiences in an interview with Robert Chazal (via INA).

“You know I never fly. I just don’t fly. I don’t like planes. I’m claustrophobic, and I’m scared. Honestly, I don’t like flying. I only flew once with [Julien Duvivier]. Oh, it was a nice trip, back in ’34, before shooting La Bandera. Oh, I had a great laugh! And I swore never to fly again, let me tell you why. It’s a silly apprehension because it wouldn’t bother me now: I landed at Le Bourget, and for three days my ears hurt terribly. Oh, I said: ‘Damn, I’ll never get on that thing again!’”

Listen to him discuss his phobia in the video below (at 3 minutes and 17 seconds):

When a Phobia Alters a Script

This fear was not just a minor character trait: it had tangible consequences. For instance, during the filming of “Mélodie en sous-sol” (1963), Gabin’s fear of flying directly influenced the screenplay and the choice of locations.

Initially, director Henri Verneuil and screenwriter Michel Audiard envisioned an adventure film where Jean Gabin would travel through colonies, whether in the East or in Africa. However, the actor’s fear, which made him reluctant to shoot abroad frequently, forced the team to reconsider their plans. The project then shifted to a more “local” heist movie, set to take place in Deauville. Ultimately, the famous heist was filmed at the Palm Beach in Cannes, a choice that accommodated both logistical constraints and Gabin’s peace of mind.

This story illustrates how an actor’s personality and fears can shape the direction of a film and highlights the deeply human nature behind cinema legends.

“Mélodie en sous-sol” is available for streaming on Sooner and Gaumont Classique.

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