Malet Family Genealogy & History

Arthur Malet was a distinguished English actor, celebrated for his versatile roles in both film and television. Known for his performances in classics like "Mary Poppins," "Halloween," and "The Secret of NIMH," Malet often portrayed characters older than himself, such as Mr. Dawes, Jr., and King Eidilleg. His long career included memorable roles in "Hook," "A Little Princess," and voice work in "Anastasia." He received acclaim on stage as well, winning two Drama Desk Awards in 1957, marking his influence in theater and film. His ability to adapt to diverse roles made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Arthur Malet, born Vivian Arthur Rivers Malet on September 24, 1927, in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, England, was the son of Henry Guy Rivers Malet and Olga Muriel Balfour. He was a scion of the Malet baronets, highlighting his connection to a lineage of notable ancestry. This prestigious family background may have influenced his gravitation towards the arts and his eventual success as an actor in the United States.

Claude François de Malet was a notable French military officer and political figure during the tumultuous years of the French Revolution and Napoleonic era. Born on June 28, 1754, in Dole, Malet rose to the rank of Brigadier General, serving notably as Chief of Staff in the Army of the Alps. His career highlights include defending the Little St. Bernard Pass and receiving commendations from generals Championnet and Masséna. Malet is best remembered for his audacious yet failed coup d'état in 1812, attempting to overthrow Napoleon Bonaparte by declaring the emperor's death during the Russian campaign. His republican convictions and opposition to Napoleonic rule characterized his political and military endeavors.

Claude François de Malet was born into an aristocratic family in Dole, France. His family disinherited him in 1790 due to his support for the French Revolution, highlighting the political tensions and divisions within his family during this era.

Laurent Marie Guespin-Malet, born on 3 September 1955 in Bayonne, is a renowned French actor. He gained fame with roles in acclaimed films such as "Les Liens de Sang" (1978) alongside Donald Sutherland and "Querelle" (1982) by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Malet's career is marked by a diverse filmography, including "Les Routes du Sud" (1978) with Yves Montand and his portrayal of Arthur Rimbaud in "L'Homme aux semelles de vent" (1995). Known for his stage debut in "La guerre de Troie n'aura pas lieu" (1975), Malet's contributions to cinema and TV, such as "Sword of Gideon" (1986), reinforce his status as a significant figure in French performing arts.

Joan Malet, born circa 1510 in Flix, Catalonia, was a notorious Catalan Morisco witch-hunter in the mid-16th century. Known as mestre Malet, he initiated a reign of terror throughout Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia, arbitrarily accusing women of witchcraft. His career highlights include controversial witch trials conducted in Tortosa under the protection of the local bishop, which led to the execution of numerous women. Malet's fraudulent practices were eventually exposed, resulting in his arrest and execution by the Inquisition in 1549.

Joan Malet hailed from a Mudéjar Muslim family in Flix, Catalonia. His father was a violent figure, condemned for killing a nobleman, and was responsible for an assault that left Joan lame for life.