Jacques Martial, a renowned actor, voice actor, and deputy to the mayor of Paris, has passed away at 69 after a long illness, as announced by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

He was a Paris city councilor, actor, and voice actor, known for his work in theater, cinema, and television, including his role as Bain-Marie in the police series 'Navarro'.

Martial was best remembered by the public for his role in 'Navarro' and worked with prominent filmmakers like Samuel Fuller, John Berry, Robert Kramer, and Sam Karmann.

He was also a prolific voice actor, dubbing American stars such as Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, and Wesley Snipes into French.

In November 2022, he was appointed as an assistant to the Paris mayor with responsibilities for overseas territories, emphasizing his commitment to issues of memory and visibility for overseas communities.

Born in Saint-Mandé to Guadeloupean parents, Martial was an advocate for the remembrance of slavery, the promotion of Caribbean artists, and increasing visibility for Black artists.

In addition to his artistic career, Martial was involved in politics, joining Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's municipal team in 2020, focusing on issues related to slavery, overseas territories, and the visibility of overseas figures.

He was also active in theater, performing in productions like 'Cahier d’un retour au pays natal' by Aimé Césaire, and served as president of the Mémorial ACTe, a museum dedicated to slavery in Guadeloupe, from 2015 to 2020.

Martial's cultural contributions extended to his role in promoting Caribbean history and Black culture through various initiatives.