Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, Inspiration for ‘Untouchables,’ Dies at 72

Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, the man who inspired the French hit film Untouchables, died last night in a hospital in Marrakesh. He was 72 years old.

Pozzo di Borgo, who headed the Pommery champagne house, was left largely paralyzed in a paragliding accident in 1993. Because of that fateful accident, he became totally dependent on his surroundings.

From the suburbs, the deprived areas of Paris, Abdel Sellou came into his life. The new employee had no experience in caring for or guiding people with a disability, but a close friendship developed with Pozzo di Borgo. The bond between the two men was filmed in 2011.

Untouchablesstarring Omar Sy and François Cluzet, is one of the most watched French films ever.

Omar Sy sent his condolences today via Instagram. “He changed our lives and the lives of vulnerable people. His humor and intelligence will be missed.”