, who worked with many of the leading stars of his generation, has died after a long illness, French media reported Friday. He was 69. "He was one of the great poets of French cinema," French President Jacques Chirac said in a glowing tribute to Enrico.
Enrico first drew international attention in 1961 with a short film called "Incident at Owl Creek," which won an award at the Cannes Film Festival and then an Oscar.
He continued making films up until 1999 working with an array of stars, including Brigitte Bardot, Romy Schneider, Philippe Noiret, Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo.
"Among all the people I made films with, he is the one who remains tenderly in my heart because he was so sweet, joyful, simple and patient," said Bardot. She starred in his 1971 comedy "Boulevard du Rhum" about bootlegging during the American Prohibition.
"Robert Enrico had many talents, he made very different films," the actress told France Info radio.
Among Enrico's other acclaimed movies was wartime drama "Le Vieux Fusil," which won three Cesars -- the French equivalent of the Oscars.
French film star Jean-Paul Belmondo may soon make his comeback (2007-07-28)Film stars, PM bid farewell to one of France's best-loved actors (2006-11-28)Awarding-winning French film director Enrico dies (2001-02-27)3 (11285)
