Marceau developed a love for theater at a young age. He attended the Charles Dullin School of Dramatic Art in Paris, where he studied mime under Étienne Decroux. After graduating, Marceau began performing at cabarets and nightclubs in Paris. In 1947, he created the character of Bip, the white-faced clown with the striped shirt and red necktie that would become his signature role.
Marceau gained international recognition in the 1950s and 1960s, when he toured the world with his mime company. He performed for presidents and popes, and he was featured in films and television shows. Marceau also taught mime at the École Internationale de Mimodrame in Paris.
Marceau's mime technique was based on the principles of Étienne Decroux. He used mime to express emotions and ideas without words. His performances were often humorous, but they also conveyed a deep sense of humanity. Marceau believed that mime was a powerful art form that could be used to communicate with people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Marceau died of pancreatic cancer on September 22, 2007, in Paris. He is considered one of the most important and influential performers of the 20th century.