George Rigaud

Rigaud was born Pedro Jorge Rigato Delissetche in Buenos Aires in 1905,^[1] to parents of Italian and German descent. When he was eight years old, he moved with his family to France, settling in Paris. He Francized his name to "Georges Rigaud".^[1]

After attending drama school, Rigaud made his debut in the film Under the Leather Helmet (1932). He during the decade, he starred in three films directed by Max Ophüls (A Love Story, Divine, There's No Tomorrow). He worked with other prominent French directors like René Clair (Bastille Day), Marcel L'Herbier (Nights of Fire), and Paul Fejos (Fantômas), playing both leading and supporting roles.

In 1941, with the outbreak of World War II and impending German invasion, he returned to Argentina where he resumed his film career. He also had a brief dalliance in Hollywood later in the decade.

In 1956, Rigaud moved back to Europe and settled in Spain, where he spend the rest of his personal and professional life. He appeared in numerous films, primarily in supporting roles. He appeared in many horror, giallo, and Spaghetti Western films, raising his profile among genre film fans.^[3][4]

Rigaud died at the age of 78 in Leganés on 17 January 1978, of injuries sustained in a road accident.^[4] His remains were buried at the common ossuary in the parish cemetery of Leganés. In 2023, after 45 years, his burial site finally received a gravestone.^[5]

A Spanish documentary about Rigaud's life, Osario Norte, los últimos días de San Valentín, was released in 2024.^[6]

In 2025, the Leganés city council placed a plaque on Cádiz Street, where Rigaud died.^[3]