- Frédéric Andréi, Diva, France, 1980. For his first feature’s hero, Jean-Jacques Beineix wanted an unknown. (That way the director garners all the praise). Dominique Besnehard, soon to be Europe’s #1 casting director, suggested Christophe(r) Lambert (a friend for life) and Anconina (not so much) Plus: Richard Berry, Jean-Paul Comart (ex-Connart), Tchéky Karyo, Christophe Malavoy (“couldn’t take my eyes off him,” when studying together at La Rue Blanche (drama school), cartoonist Sempé’s son, Nicolas, and future singing star Florent Pagny. Anconina (“too insistent, too much pressure”) was forever moaning that Besnehard never chose him. Yet later accepted him as his agent!
- Michel Boujenah, Trois hommes et un couffan, France, 1985. “Everybody refused that one!” So, naturally, it became an enormous hit.
- Daniel Auteuil, Jan de Florette/Manon des sources, France, 1986. Tested for Claude Berri, who had directed Anconina’s double-Cesar award winning role in Tchao Pantin, 1983. “Daniel was simply genial. No one else could play Ugolin like he did – an incredible presence.”
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 3