Les Charlots
| Company type | Ensemble (musical and comedic group) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, film, comedy |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Gérard Rinaldi, Jean Sarrus, Gérard Filippelli, Luis Rego, Jean-Guy Fechner |
| Defunct | 1997 (initially active period) |
| Fate | Disbanded; brief reunion as duo 2008–2011 |
Area served | France, international (including India) |
Key people | Gérard Rinaldi, Jean Sarrus, Gérard Filippelli, Luis Rego, Jean-Guy Fechner |
| Products | Music albums, films, live performances |
Les Charlots, referred to as The Crazy Boys in English-speaking countries, was a French ensemble of musicians, vocalists, comedians, and film performers who enjoyed widespread popularity from the 1960s until the early 1980s.
Their origins trace back to 1965–1966 when they performed as Les Problèmes, collaborating with the French singer Antoine before adopting the name Les Charlots. The group remained active between 1966 and 1997, with a brief reunion as a duo from 2008 to 2011. The term Charlots is French slang meaning "clowns" or "fools," chosen to emphasize their comedic approach rather than any connection to Charlie Chaplin.
Their humor was inspired by the Italian troupe Brutos and the anarchic style of the Marx Brothers.
The principal lineup comprised Gérard Rinaldi (vocals, saxophone, accordion), Jean Sarrus (bass guitar, backing vocals), Gérard Filippelli ("Phil") (guitar, backing vocals), Luis Rego (rhythm guitar, piano, backing vocals), and Jean-Guy Fechner (drums, backing vocals).
Formation of Les Problèmes
In 1963, after participating in several short-term bands, Rinaldi and Sarrus met and decided to form a rock band despite Rinaldi’s background in jazz. Rego joined them in 1964, followed by Filippelli and drummer Donald Rieubon in 1965. Under the name "Les Problèmes," they served as Antoine’s backing band.
They played on Antoine’s successful tracks such as "Les Elucubrations d'Antoine" and "Je Dis ce que je pense, je vis comme je veux".
During 1965, Luis Rego was detained in Portugal under Salazar's regime for desertion; guitarist Jacques Dautriche (known as Sullivan) temporarily replaced him. Rego rejoined the group after his release.
When Rieubon left in 1966 for military duties, William Ollivier took over the drums before the band transitioned into Les Charlots.
Achievements as Les Charlots
Following their parody of Antoine's "Je Dis ce que je pense, je vis comme je veux" released under the name "Les Charlots," which became a novelty success, their manager persuaded them to fully embrace comedy and officially change their name. Ollivier remained with Antoine, so drummer Jean-Guy Fechner, sibling of their manager Christian Fechner, joined Les Charlots. For their debut tour, Dautriche and Ollivier were enlisted as supporting musicians.
They rapidly rose to fame with comedic and satirical songs including "Si tu ne veux pas payer d'impôts", "Merci Patron",, "On n'est Pas là Pour se Faire Engueuler", "Paulette la Reine des Paupiettes", "Berrystock", and "Sois Erotique"—a spoof of Serge Gainsbourg's "Je t'aime Moi Non Plus". Most compositions were penned by Rinaldi, Sarrus, or Rego; Rinaldi typically handled lead vocals while the others provided harmonies.
Between 1966 and 1970, they toured extensively, opening for prominent artists such as Johnny Hallyday, Françoise Hardy, Sylvie Vartan, Claude François, and even The Rolling Stones. On one occasion when The Rolling Stones arrived late to a performance, Les Charlots played "Satisfaction," later humorously discussing the incident with Mick Jagger.
In the late 1960s, Les Charlots featured in French television comedy sketches including appearances on Les Shadoks and Les Saintes Chéries. In 1968, they were recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as the best French rock musicians. The following year, they released an album covering songs by Boris Vian.
Film career
Their growing fame soon attracted offers from the film industry. Producer Michel Ardan selected them for their debut movie, La Grande Java (1970), where they starred alongside comedian Francis Blanche. Although they had minimal acting background and encountered friction with director Philippe Clair, the film resonated strongly with teenage audiences. During production, they connected with assistant director Claude Zidi, who would later helm several of their most successful projects.
Following this, a series of comedies—Les Bidasses en folie (1971), Les Fous du Stade (1972), Les Charlots Font l'Espagne (1972), Le Grand Bazar (1973), and Les Bidasses s'en vont en Guerre (1974)—were released, achieving considerable acclaim both in France and internationally, notably in India. Their style of humor crossed linguistic boundaries, attracting a wide-ranging audience.
Although initially reluctant to embrace acting as a profession, their youthful vigor struck a chord with viewers. Members Gérard Rinaldi and Luis Rego eventually embarked on prosperous solo acting ventures. While continuing to perform on stage and release albums, their primary emphasis shifted toward film throughout the 1970s.
Les Charlots were responsible for composing and performing the majority of their cinematic soundtracks. Their movies often explored themes such as rebellion against authority, camaraderie, freedom, youthful spirit, work aversion, mishaps, and skepticism toward figures of power like the military. They frequently employed absurd scenarios combined with physical comedy.
In Les Bidasses en Folie (1971) and its follow-up Les Bidasses s'en vont en Guerre (1974), they portrayed young musicians conscripted into military service, attempting to evade their duties under the command of a strict sergeant played by Jacques Seiler. Their most successful film, Les Fous du Stade (1972), featured them as reluctant participants in the Olympic Games. In Le Grand Bazar (1973), they took on roles as factory employees resisting the introduction of a new supermarket.
The lavish parody From Hong Kong with Love (1975) cast them as replacements for a fallen 007 agent tasked with rescuing Queen Elizabeth II from antagonists; it included cameo appearances by actors from the 007 franchise. In Les Charlots Contre Dracula (1980), they assumed roles as vampire hunters.
Within the group dynamic, Rinaldi often served as the straight man while the others provided comic relief. Recurring collaborators included Jacques Seiler, Pierre Gualdi, André Badin, Paul Préboist, Roger Carel, Gérard Croce, and accordionist Aimable. Claude Zidi directed them on four occasions.
Typically, they used their actual first names in films except in the musketeer parodies The Four Charlots Musketeers (1974) and its sequel, where they portrayed valets who emerged as the true heroes of Alexandre Dumas' narrative.
Departures of Rego and Fechner
At the height of their success, Luis Rego exited the group in 1971 just prior to the release of their second film, Les Bidasses en Folie, to focus on a flourishing solo acting career. The separation was friendly; he returned for two later projects: Le Retour des Bidasses en Folie (1983) and Le Retour des Charlots (1992). Rego later expressed regret over his departure since subsequent Charlots films enjoyed significant success. He believed that scripts were better suited to four members and sometimes felt undervalued within the group. Additionally, he appeared in the popular 1978 film Les Bronzés.
Jean-Guy Fechner left in June 1976 following the expensive Bond spoof From Hong Kong with Love. After conflicts concerning unpaid royalties and creative disagreements, Les Charlots terminated their contract with producer and manager Christian Fechner (Jean-Guy’s brother). The band intended to star in Bertrand Blier’s satirical project "Charlots, Charlottes," but Christian Fechner acquired the script only to shelve it. Caught between loyalty to his brother and allegiance to the band, Jean-Guy chose to depart.
At this juncture, Les Charlots were slated to co-star with comedy icon Louis De Funès in Claude Zidi’s "Merci Patron," named after one of their popular songs. However, after severing ties with Christian Fechner, the film was reworked for comedian Coluche, retitled L'Aile ou la Cuisse, and became a major hit that launched Coluche's cinematic career.
Without a producer and embroiled in legal disputes with Christian Fechner, Les Charlots entered a hiatus until 1978 when they returned with a modestly received trio film titled Et Vive la Liberté!.
Les Charlots as a Trio
From 1976 until 1986, Rinaldi, Sarrus, and Filippelli carried on as a three-member group. Their following five movies struggled due to insufficient production quality, constrained budgets, and weak screenplays. Among these, only Et Vive la Liberté! (1978) and the campy vampire spoof Les Charlots Contre Dracula (1980)—the sole film penned by the trio themselves—achieved modest acclaim. In 1983, former member Rego made a supporting appearance in Le Retour des Bidasses en Folie, an unsuccessful attempt to revive their 1971 blockbuster.
Filippelli later confessed: "If you appreciate Les Charlots, it’s probably best to avoid watching our final films..."
The trio successfully ventured onto the stage in 1979 with the play La Cuisine des Anges.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, their efforts shifted toward producing new music and albums. In 1985, they released Fesse en Rut Majeur, featuring provocative lyrics and notable tracks such as Chagrin d'labour, La Bouche Camembert, and the widely popular L'Apérobic. Despite dwindling success in cinema, they sustained their fan base through frequent television appearances.
Rinaldi's Departure
Following the commercial disappointment of their fourteenth film, Charlots Connection (1984), Gérard Rinaldi chose to leave Les Charlots to focus on a solo acting career spanning film, television, and theater. He achieved significant recognition with the sitcom Marc & Sophie (1987–1991). After his exit, Rinaldi and Jean Sarrus did not communicate for approximately twenty years. The group’s core thereafter consisted of Sarrus and Gérard Filipelli.
The Richard Bonnot Period: The Beginning of Decline
By 1986, Les Charlots entered a period of downturn. After Rinaldi’s departure, Richard Bonnot—a singer and comedian who had previously opened for the band during the early 1980s—joined in 1987. The trio produced a few tracks, including "Pour pas qu'l'amour Capote," which was part of an AIDS awareness campaign; however, they lacked sufficient material for a full album. Their intermittent tours at smaller venues met with limited enthusiasm, as Bonnot’s vocal style did not match Rinaldi’s distinctive tone, causing them to be perceived more like a tribute act.
In 1988, Sarrus, Filipelli, Luis Rego, and drummer Donald Rieubon collaborated on Antoine’s album Antoine Retrouve Les Problèmes, touring under the original band name Les Problèmes, which dated back to 1966. Although Rinaldi was invited to join, he was unavailable due to filming obligations.
The trio came together once more for their fifteenth and final movie, Le Retour des Charlots (1992), directed reluctantly by Sarrus after efforts to find another director failed. Former member Luis Rego appeared in a supporting capacity. The film was met with poor critical reception and commercial failure, receiving minimal media attention and limited distribution. On promotional materials, Bonnot’s face was deliberately obscured to avoid unfavorable comparisons with Rinaldi’s popularity. At this point, Sarrus and Rinaldi remained estranged. Jean-Guy Fechner was invited but could not participate due to scheduling conflicts.
Jean Sarrus and Gérard Filipelli are the only members to appear in all fifteen films. Gérard Rinaldi featured in fourteen, Jean-Guy Fechner in nine, Luis Rego in four, and Richard Bonnot in one.
Reunions and duo revival
In 2009, the original quintet—Rinaldi, Sarrus, Filipelli, Rego, and Fechner—came together once again on Michel Drucker’s television program Vivement Dimanche, marking their first reunion since Rego’s exit in 1971.
Between 2008 and 2011, motivated by Jean Sarrus’s dedication to maintaining the band's heritage, Rinaldi and Sarrus performed as Les Charlots during the nostalgia-themed tour Age Tendre et Têtes de Bois. They delivered medleys of their most popular songs alongside other French artists from the 1960s and 1970s. During these performances, they concentrated solely on singing without playing instruments. This era also featured the release of a cover album entitled Les Charlots 2008.
Gérard Rinaldi succumbed to Hodgkin's disease on March 2, 2012, at the age of 69.
A new trio formation
From 2013 through 2025, Jean Sarrus, Jean-Guy Fechner, and Richard Bonnot occasionally toured under the Les Charlots name at various festivals. This period marked Fechner’s return to live performance since 1976. The trio issued their final album in 2023, titled Y'a pas d'âge pour les Charlots.
Former member Gérard Filipelli died from cancer on March 30, 2021, aged 78. Jean Sarrus passed away due to brain cancer on February 19, 2025, at age 79. Richard Bonnot died after a lengthy illness on October 28, 2025, at the age of 67.
Luis Rego and Jean-Guy Fechner remain the only surviving members.
Post-Les Charlots careers
- Gérard Rinaldi achieved notable success starring in the French sitcom Marc et Sophie (1987–1991), appeared in over fifty television films, and was a distinguished voice actor for The Simpsons as well as dubbing numerous prominent actors. At his passing, he was completing a solo album featuring French song covers that was released posthumously in 2012. His peers recognized his artistic skill and wit, emphasizing his pivotal role within the band.
- Jean Sarrus encountered financial hardships during the 1980s and 1990s, briefly hosted television programs, directed Les Charlots’ final film in 1992, and authored several biographies about the group. He acted intermittently and reunited with Rinaldi between 2008 and 2011. Sarrus died from brain cancer in 2025.
- Gérard Filippelli withdrew from public life in 1997 but remained engaged musically and through philanthropic efforts by teaching music to disadvantaged youth. In 2011, he formed the rock band King Biz. He passed away from cancer in 2021 at age 78.
- Luis Rego is a respected character actor and playwright known for his work in Les Bronzés (1978) and collaborations with Pierre Desproges. He directed one film in 1987 and returned to Les Charlots for two films during the 1980s and ’90s. More recently, he appeared in Bertrand Bonello’s Nocturama (2016).
- Jean-Guy Fechner transitioned into advertising, collaborating closely with his late brother Christian Fechner, a prominent French producer. He oversaw marketing campaigns for major films such as Les Bronzés 3 (2006) and made cameo appearances in productions involving his family. He is also known for owning an extensive collection of drums.
- Richard Bonnot, regarded by fans as less central to Les Charlots’ core identity, had a modest career including some television comedy roles after the group disbanded in 1997. After rejoining the band in 2013, he died following a prolonged illness in 2025.
Band members
- Gérard Rinaldi – lead vocals, saxophone (1966–1986, 2008–2011; deceased 2012)
- Gérard Filippelli – guitar, backing vocals (1966–1997; deceased 2021)
- Luis Rego – rhythm guitar, piano, backing vocals (1966–1971)
- Jean Sarrus – bass guitar, backing vocals (1966–1997, 2008–2011, 2013–2025; deceased)
- Jean-Guy Fechner – drums, backing vocals (1966–1976, 2013–)
- Richard Bonnot – vocals (1987–1997, 2013–2025; deceased)
Timeline
<timeline> ImageSize = width:1000 height:250 PlotArea = left:100 bottom:60 top:0 right:50 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1966 till:31/12/2016 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Colors =
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals id:drums value:blue legend:Drums id:lguitar value:purple legend:Rhythm_Guitar id:guitar value:orange legend:Guitar id:bass value:green legend:Bass id:Lines value:black legend:Albums id:Lines2 value:gray(0.75) legend:Films id:Lines3 value:gray(0.95) legend:Vivement_Dimanche
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1966 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1967
BarData =
bar:Jean text:"Jean Sarrus" bar:Phil text:"Gérard Filippelli" bar:Gérard text:"Gérard Rinaldi" bar:Jean-Guy text:"Jean-Guy Fechner" bar:Luis text:"Luis Rego" bar:Richard text:"Richard Bonnot"
PlotData=
width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Gérard from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/1986 color:vocals bar:Richard from:01/01/1987 till:01/01/1997 color:vocals bar:Gérard from:01/04/2008 till:01/05/2012 color:vocals bar:Richard from:01/02/2013 till:31/12/2016 color:vocals bar:Jean from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/1997 color:bass bar:Jean from:01/04/2008 till:31/12/2012 color:bass bar:Jean from:01/02/2013 till:31/12/2016 color:bass
bar:Jean from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/1997 color:vocals width:3 bar:Jean from:01/04/2008 till:31/12/2012 color:vocals width:3 bar:Jean from:01/02/2013 till:31/12/2016 color:vocals width:3 bar:Phil from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/1997 color:guitar bar:Phil from:01/04/2008 till:01/05/2008 color:guitar bar:Phil from:01/04/2008 till:01/05/2008 color:vocals width:3 bar:Jean-Guy from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/1976 color:drums bar:Jean-Guy from:01/04/2008 till:01/05/2008 color:drums bar:Jean-Guy from:01/04/2008 till:01/05/2008 color:vocals width:3 bar:Jean-Guy from:01/02/2013 till:end color:drums bar:Jean-Guy from:01/02/2013 till:end color:vocals width:3
bar:Luis from:start till:start+5y color:lguitar bar:Luis from:end-43d till:end-41d color:lguitar bar:Luis from:start+17y till:start+17y+1m color:lguitar bar:Luis from:start+26y till:start+26y+1m color:lguitar bar:Luis from:start+42y till:start+42y+1m color:lguitar bar:Luis from:start+42y till:start+42y+1m color:vocals width:3
LineData =
at:start+1y color:black layer:bg at:start+2y color:black layer:bg at:start+3y color:black layer:bg at:start+4y color:black layer:bg at:start+4.5y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+5y color:black layer:bg at:start+5.9y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+6y color:black layer:bg at:start+6.75y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+7.9y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+7.9y color=lines2 layer:bg shift:(0,-15) at:start+8.1y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+8.2y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+9.9y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+10y color:black layer:bg at:start+11.5y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+12.9y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+13.9y color:black layer:bg at:start+14.9y color:black layer:bg at:start+16.1y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+18.9y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+20.9y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+22.1y color=lines2 layer:bg at:start+23.9y color:black layer:bg
</timeline>
1966–1971 |
|
|---|---|
1971–1976 |
|
1976–1986 |
|
1987–1997 |
|
1997–2008 |
|
2008–2011 |
|
2011–2013 |
|
2013–2025 |
|
Discography
Studio Albums
- 1966 Antoine Rencontre les Problèmes (credited as "Les Problèmes")
- 1967 Charlow'up
- 1967 Les Charlots à l'Olympia (Live recording)
- 1968 Caf'Conc'Charlots
- 1969 Les Charlots Chantent Boris Vian
- 1969 Les Charlots - Il Etait une Fois à l'Olympia (Live)
- 1969 Charlotissimo
- 1971 Charloteries
- 1972 Les Charlots en Vadrouille
- 1972 Les Charlots à l'Olympia '72 (Live album)
- 1973 Au Pays des Pesetas
- 1974 La Révolution Française (collaborative project with various artists)
- 1975 Les Charlots - Youpie, c'est la Vie!
- 1976 Nouvelle Cuvée
- 1977 Et Ta Soeur
- 1983 C'est Trop, c'est Trop
- 1985 Fesses en Rut Majeur
- 1986 Parod'Hit Parade
- 1988 Antoine Retrouve Les Problèmes (Elucubrations 88) (under the name "Les Problèmes")
- 2008 Les Charlots 2008
- 2023 Y'a pas d'âge pour Les Charlots
Compilation Albums
- 1972 Les Grands Succès
- 1973 12 Succès des Charlots
- 1974 Les Charlots Super Longue Durée
- 1977 Le Double Disque d'Or
- 1984 Nouvelle Edition
- 1985 Les Charlots - Programme Plus
- 1992 Plein Succès
- 1994 Les Bons Morceaux - Tout Doit Disparaître
- 1999 Collection Ambiance
- 1999 Les Charlots - Anthologie, Volume 1
- 2000 Les Charlots - Anthologie, Volume 2
- 2000 Y'a de la Joie
- 2002 Paulette, Merci Patron...
- 2003 Les Essentiels
- 2003 Les Charlots Interdits
- 2011 Les Charlots - La Compilation
Filmography
- 1970 La Grande Java, directed by Philippe Clair, featuring Gérard Rinaldi, Jean Sarrus, Gérard Filippelli, Luis Rego, and Jean-Guy Fechner.
- 1971 Les Bidasses en folie, a Claude Zidi film starring the core group members.
- 1972 Les Fous du Stade, directed by Claude Zidi.
- 1972 Les Charlots Font l'Espagne, directed by Jean Girault.
- 1973 Le Grand Bazar, another film by Claude Zidi.
- 1974 Les Quatre Charlots mousquetaires, helmed by André Hunebelle.
- 1974 À nous quatre, Cardinal !, also directed by André Hunebelle.
- 1974 Les Bidasses s'en vont en guerre, directed by Claude Zidi.
- 1975 Bons Baisers de Hong Kong (From Hong Kong with Love), under the direction of Yvan Chiffre.
- 1978 Et Vive la Liberté!, directed by Serge Korber.
- 1979 Les Charlots en Délire, directed by Alain Basnier.
- 1980 Les Charlots Contre Dracula, co-directed by Jean-Pierre Desagnat and Jean-Pierre Vergne.
- 1983 Le Retour des Bidasses en Folie, directed by Michel Vocoret.
- 1984 Charlots Connection, helmed by Jean Couturier.
- 1992 Le Retour des Charlots, directed by Jean Sarrus.
External links
- Les Charlots at Nanarland