Who played André in the episode Gourmet Night?

André Maranne played André in the Fawlty Towers episode “Gourmet Night.” The character is one of the French guests connected with the episode’s ambitious but chaotic attempt to stage an upscale gourmet evening at the hotel.

“Gourmet Night” centres on Basil’s desire to attract a more sophisticated clientele and make Fawlty Towers appear socially distinguished. The plan unravels when the chef becomes drunk and cannot prepare the promised meal, forcing Basil to improvise while guests wait. André is part of the international group that helps give the evening its supposedly continental atmosphere.

Maranne’s name is easy to confuse with the names of other guest performers in the episode, such as Richard Caldicot, Allan Cuthbertson, and Steve Plytas. Those actors played different characters. Maranne was a French actor whose career also included the Pink Panther films, where he played Sergeant François Chevalier, as well as appearances in Doctor Who and Yes Minister.