Marcel Marceau: The Legendary Mime Who Served in the French Resistance, Fought the Nazis, and Saved Children

Quick answer: What did Marcel Marceau do in World War II?

Marcel Marceau, born Marcel Mangel to a Jewish family in Strasbourg, changed his name to hide his identity and joined the French Resistance. He helped smuggle Jewish children out of France to Switzerland, worked as an interpreter for Allied forces, and gave his first big performance before 3,000 American soldiers after the liberation of Paris. His father was murdered at Auschwitz.

Why it matters for leaders: Some of the bravest people say the least about what they did.

Q: Was Marcel Marceau in the French Resistance?

A: Yes. He joined the Resistance under an assumed name and helped move Jewish children to safety in Switzerland.

Q: What happened to Marceau's father?

A: Charles Mangel was arrested by the Gestapo in 1944 and murdered at Auschwitz.

Read the full article on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/marcel-marceau-legendary-mime-who-served-french-fought-john-fenzel

By John Fenzel, founder and CEO of Heroes' Path Foundation

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