The world of cinema lost a distinctive and much-loved voice when French actor, singer, composer, and dubbing artist Daniel Beretta died at the age of 77. Although audiences outside France may not immediately recognize his name, millions of French-speaking movie fans knew his voice instantly. For decades, Beretta was the French voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger, helping define how one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars sounded to generations of viewers.
Beretta died in Ajaccio, Corsica, on March 23, 2024. His daughter announced the news, and French media reported that he died in his sleep. His passing marked the loss of one of the country’s most recognizable dubbing performers.
A Career That Began With Music
Daniel Beretta was born on December 24, 1946, in Audincourt, France. His artistic career did not begin behind a microphone for Hollywood films. He first established himself as a musician and performer.
He studied at the Petit Conservatoire de la chanson and began performing in cabaret with singer Richard de Bordeaux. He later moved into theater, cinema, and musical productions, demonstrating a versatility that would remain a defining feature of his career.
One of his notable early achievements was portraying Jesus in the French stage adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1972. He also collaborated with prominent musicians, including Nino Ferrer and Ennio Morricone.
