Roger Hanin ( 20 October 1925 -- 11 February 2015 ) was a French actor and film director , best known for playing the title role in the 1989 -- 2006 TV police drama , `` Navarro '' .
Roger Hanin ( 20 October 1925 -- 11 February 2015 ) was a French actor and movie director . He was best known for playing the title role in the 1989 -- 2006 TV police drama , `` Navarro '' .