Top 50 Most Popular French Actors Of All Time

Gérard Depardieu first captured the public's attention in the 1974 film Going Places. His standout performance immediately established him as a favored actor among French arthouse filmmakers, who sought him out for future roles.

He won his first César Award for his compelling portrayal in François Truffaut’s The Last Metro in 1981. After this success, Depardieu developed a strong affinity for historical characters, frequently portraying them on screen.

He is widely recognized for his roles in renowned films such as Cyrano de Bergerac, Danton, Camille Claudel, and 1492: Conquest of Paradise. These projects highlighted his versatility and depth as an actor.

Known for his passion for food and drink, Depardieu has demonstrated impressive range in both comedic and dramatic performances. Outside of cinema, he owns vineyards in Italy, as well as restaurants and hotels throughout France.

Despite his acclaimed career, Depardieu's reputation was tarnished in 2023 when 13 women accused him of sexual harassment, with incidents reported between 2004 and 2022. This controversy clouded an otherwise remarkable legacy.

Currently, he is said to reside in Néchin, Belgium, and continues to participate in theater productions, write, and direct films.

Jean Dujardin began his career performing in bars and small theaters, steadily honing his craft. His big break came in 1999 when he starred in the popular television series Un gars, une fille, which brought him into the limelight.

The show's success opened doors to film, landing him a role in the comedy Marriages!. Dujardin’s profile soared further after he starred in the box office hit Brice de Nice, cementing his place in French cinema.

He received widespread acclaim for his comedic performances in the OSS 117 series. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Dujardin also impressed audiences in films like Counter Investigation, Lucky Luke, Little White Lies, and 99 Francs. However, it was his leading role in The Artist that proved transformative for his career.

For his performance in The Artist, Dujardin earned numerous accolades and made history as the first Frenchman to win the Oscar for Best Actor.

His newfound international fame led to roles in American films and TV shows such as The Wolf of Wall Street, The Monuments Men, and Call My Agent!

Mathieu Amalric made his screen debut in the 1984 film Favourites of the Moon. As both an accomplished actor and director, he has contributed to numerous celebrated international productions throughout his career.

He is widely recognized for his roles in acclaimed films, including Quantum of Solace, Munich, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The French Dispatch, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

Amalric's outstanding performances have earned him numerous accolades, including several César Awards and the Lumières Award.

Michel Piccoli was an acclaimed character actor whose remarkable screen career spanned an impressive 70 years, featuring in countless films and captivating audiences with his unforgettable performances.

Widely celebrated as one of French cinema's greatest character actors, he collaborated with many of the most renowned film directors of his era, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Piccoli earned international recognition, receiving the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin Film Festival, further solidifying his legacy.

Mathieu Kassovitz, founder of MNP Entreprise, stands out as a multi-talented figure among the most celebrated French actors. He has made significant contributions as an accomplished actor, as well as a respected film director, producer, and screenwriter.

Kassovitz's versatility and skill have earned him nominations not only for his acting but also for his achievements in directing and screenwriting—a rare accomplishment among performers.

Throughout his career, Kassovitz has helmed projects that achieved both artistic acclaim and commercial success. He is widely recognized for his memorable portrayal of Nino Quincampoix in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's acclaimed film Amélie.

Philippe Noiret began his career with uncredited roles, yet ultimately became one of the most recognizable faces in French cinema history.

While he was often cast as ordinary, relatable characters, Noiret was also fearless in taking on more controversial roles when the script demanded it.

Noiret's impressive versatility led him to appear in several Hollywood-backed films produced by some of the biggest names in the American film industry.

Omar Sy rose to international fame as the charismatic lead in the Netflix hit series "Lupin," but his acting career has been thriving since the early 2000s.

He landed his first major film role in "Those Happy Days," but his breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed 2011 film "The Intouchables."

For his outstanding performance in "The Intouchables," Sy became the first black actor in France to win the César Award for Best Actor.

Building on his success, he made a mark in Hollywood through roles in blockbuster movies like "X-Men," "Jurassic World," and "Inferno."

Despite his growing international presence, Sy has continued to play pivotal roles in French cinema, skillfully balancing his domestic and international careers.

Guillaume Canet made his first screen appearance in the television show Premiers baisers in 1993. Known for his versatility, he is not only an accomplished actor but also a film director, screenwriter, and talented show jumper.

Canet began his career on stage and television, later making a highly anticipated move into the world of cinema. His early work laid a strong foundation for the success he would achieve in film.

He played prominent roles in acclaimed films like Joyeux Noël, Love Me If You Dare, and The Beach, showcasing his impressive range as an actor.

In 2006, Canet shifted his focus more towards writing and directing, expanding his creative talents within the film industry.

His directorial achievement with the film Tell No One earned him the prestigious César Award for Best Director, further cementing his legacy in French cinema.

Alain Delon, renowned for his striking good looks, is among the most celebrated French actors in film history. He joined the navy at just 17 years old, serving in French Indochina until the conflict's end.

Upon returning to Paris, Delon's strong physique and captivating appearance opened the doors to a movie career. His rise was rapid, and he eventually began a romance with actress Romy Schneider. Their relationship, often called "the fiancés of Europe," was widely celebrated during its early years.

The 1960s marked Delon's emergence as a box-office powerhouse. His talent was officially recognized in 1985 when he received the long-awaited César Award for Best Actor.

In the 2010s, Delon was honored with the Palme d’Honneur Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, underscoring his enduring legacy. He continues to inspire and captivate fans familiar with his extensive body of work.

Interestingly, not many know that a talent scout noticed Delon in Cannes for American producer David O. Selznick. Soon after, he underwent a screen test and was offered a contract almost immediately, prompting him to begin learning English.

Vincent Lindon began his film career in 1982 with an uncredited appearance in the movie Guy de Maupassant.

He gained international acclaim for his role in The Measure of a Man, earning the Best Actor award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, the 41st César Awards, and the IFFI Best Actor Award (Male) at the 46th International Film Festival of India.

In 2022, Lindon was honored as the president of the jury for the main competition section at the Cannes Film Festival.

Daniel Auteuil began establishing himself in the entertainment industry during the early 1970s, quickly earning recognition for his versatile talent.

Renowned as both an actor and a filmmaker, Auteuil has embraced a diverse array of roles across multiple film genres.

He has demonstrated his exceptional abilities in period dramas, romantic comedies, and gripping crime thrillers alike.

Auteuil’s impressive career includes winning the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival, shared with Belgian actor Pascal Duquenne. Additionally, he is the proud recipient of two César Awards for Best Actor.

Louis Garrel is a renowned French actor, most recognized for his leading role in "The Dreamers." He first appeared in feature films with his debut in "Emergency Kisses" in 1989.

Both an accomplished actor and filmmaker, Garrel often portrays prominent historical figures or characters entangled in complex love triangles on screen. His nuanced performances have earned him widespread acclaim.

Garrel has frequently collaborated with acclaimed directors, including Christophe Honoré and his father, Philippe Garrel, bringing a distinctive style to their films together.

In addition to his acting career, he has also directed and starred in two films, further showcasing his versatility and talent behind the camera.

Tahar Rahim began his career with minor roles, but has steadily risen to become one of the most celebrated French actors in contemporary cinema.

He is widely recognized for his powerful performances in highly acclaimed projects such as A Prophet, The Looming Tower, Mary Magdalene, and The Serpent, among others.

Rahim's impressive body of work has already made a significant impact, and it seems likely that he will continue to solidify his reputation as one of the finest French screen actors in the years ahead.

Vincent Cassel has been captivated by the arts from a young age, growing up in a family deeply rooted in artistic pursuits. His early exposure laid the groundwork for his dynamic career.

Cassel first garnered wide acclaim and César Award nominations for his powerful performance in the 1995 film La Haine. His intense screen presence drew attention from renowned filmmakers like Jan Kounen, Jacques Audiard, and Gaspard Noé, leading to roles in several major French films during the mid-2000s.

Building on his domestic success, Cassel expanded into Hollywood, starring in popular films such as Ocean’s Twelve, Ocean's Thirteen, Eastern Promises, Black Swan, and Jason Bourne. His talent and versatility have established him as one of the most respected French actors of his generation, with a reputation extending well beyond French cinema.

In 2023, Cassel appeared in the Apple TV+ spy thriller series Liaison, sharing the screen with Eva Green. Later that year, he was announced as the voice of United Nations French agent Victor Chevalier in the video game Tekken 8, scheduled for release in 2024.

Jean-Louis Xavier Trintignant stands out as one of the most talented French dramatic actors of the post-war era, leaving his mark on numerous acclaimed films across several decades.

Renowned for portraying complex and introspective characters whose values are deeply challenged, Trintignant earned multiple Best Actor awards during his remarkable and enduring career.

Among his final masterpieces was the film Amour, which premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and was honored with the prestigious Palme d'Or.

Moreover, Amour received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards, further solidifying his cinematic legacy.

Melvil Poupaud, a talented actor, author, and filmmaker, began his career as a child in the 1983 film City of Pirates. His early start marked the beginning of a rich and varied journey in French cinema.

Raised in a family deeply connected to the film industry, Poupaud was naturally surrounded by influential figures in Parisian intellectual and artistic circles. This environment played a significant role in shaping his artistic vision and career choices.

Poupaud's impressive filmography includes acclaimed titles such as A Summer's Tale, A Christmas Tale, The Refuge, and Laurence Anyways, among many others, demonstrating his versatility and enduring appeal on screen.

Gaspard Thomas Ulliel was the renowned face of Chanel's men's fragrance, Bleu de Chanel, representing the brand for an impressive twelve years. He gained widespread recognition for his captivating roles in feature films such as Hannibal Rising and Saint Laurent.

Additionally, Ulliel lent his voice to the character of Jack Frost in the French version of Rise of the Guardians, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

He further expanded his international presence by portraying Anton Mogart in the Disney+ miniseries Moon Knight.

Ulliel's extraordinary performance in It's Only the End of the World earned him the César Award for Best Actor in 2017, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Just a few years prior to that honor, he was also appointed as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, celebrating his contribution to the arts.

Jean Gabin began his career in the French film industry in the early 1930s, quickly establishing himself as a significant presence on screen.

As a legendary figure in French cinema, Gabin received top honors, including two Silver Bear for Best Actor awards from the Berlin International Film Festival and two Volpi Cup for Best Actor awards from the Venice Film Festival.

Gabin was widely celebrated for his profound impact on the development of French cinema. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed a member of the Légion d'honneur.

Albert Dupontel began his academic journey studying medicine, but ultimately decided to follow his father's path and transitioned into theater.

While he launched his career as a stand-up comedian, Dupontel made his on-screen debut in the 1988 film Once More, marking his first notable role in cinema.

In 1996, Dupontel wrote, directed, and starred in the film Bernie, which garnered international acclaim by winning the Grand Prize at the 9th Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival.

François Cluzet has enjoyed a distinguished career as both a film and theater actor, earning acclaim for his versatility and longevity in the industry. Over the years, he has collaborated with numerous prominent European and American directors, showcasing his remarkable talent across diverse projects.

Cluzet gained international recognition for his powerful performance in "The Intouchables," a role that resonated with audiences worldwide. He also won the prestigious French César Award for his portrayal of a doctor in the suspense thriller "Tell No One."

As of March 2012, "The Intouchables" held the record as the highest-grossing non-English language film, highlighting Cluzet's immense impact on global cinema.

Charles Boyer is a French-American actor who, after having gotten an education in drama, started performing on the stage.

While he made his French film debut in 1920, he found fame after having worked in several American motion pictures during the 1930s.

Some of his most remarkable character portrayals came in movies such as Garden of Allah, Algiers, Love Affair, and Gaslight.

The acclaimed actor was nominated for four Academy Awards during the course of his career.

Jean Rochefort was a prominent name in French cinema during the late '50s and '60s.

A versatile performer who could play both comedic and dramatic roles with great efficiency, he had been a recipient of three César Awards. In a career that spanned nearly six decades, the man acted in over 100 feature films.

Even though he started trying himself at dramas as a teenager, his had to take a break when he served in the military. However, after he returned, there was no stopping Rochefort for he featured in one box office hit after another.

Jean-Paul Charles Belmondo was an actor and producer who became a major film star from 1960 onwards.

He was best known for portraying police officers in mainstream action thrillers and can be seen delivering good performances in titles such as Breathless, That Man from Rio, Pierrot le Fou, Borsalino, and The Professional.

Even though Belmondo was heavily courted by Hollywood, he was not too willing to participate in English features.

The actor won the César Award for Best Actor in 1989 for his performance in Itinéraire d'un enfant gâté.

Romain Duris has been acting since the first half of the 1990s. He is one of the better-known French actors today.

Even though he had a great interest in music and had constituted a band of his own, it was his cinematic endeavors that fetched him fame over the years.

Duris is best known for playing the character of a French exchange student in the popular Spanish Apartment Trilogy.

That being said, he is best recognized for playing gangsters and romantic heroes in his movies; therefore, putting his versatility on display.

Ivo Livi, known in his professional space as Yves Montand, was an actor and singer who had been performing since the beginning of the 1940s.

While he continued to gain recognition as a mainstream actor, his songs, especially those about Paris, became instant classics at the time.

The actor was also seen in American features. He was nominated for a César Award for Best Actor twice during the course of his career.

Jean-Pierre Marielle had been active in the movies since the second half of the 1950s. He is known to have played diverse roles on the big screen.

Courtesy of his cavernous voice and gentlemanly appearance, the actor was considered to be archetypical of the French gentleman by several humorists.

Marielle shot to fame in the true sense of the word and proved his acting caliber to the viewers during the 1970s.

He was an excellent performer on the stage and received the highest honor bestowed upon a stage artist in France.

Michael Edward Lonsdale-Crouch was known in his professional space as Michael Lonsdale. He had been a consistent screen performer ever since he made his debut in the 1956 feature film It Happened in Aden.

Also an author, he appeared in over 180 motion pictures and television shows throughout his career. The English-speaking world knows him better for his character projection in movies such as Moonraker, The Day of the Jackal, The Name of the Rose, and The Remains of the Day.

What was interesting about him was that apart from being an actor, he was also a film director, theatre director, painter, sculptor, visual artist, writer, and photographer.

He participated in over 100 feature films and was, therefore, awarded the French Legion of Honor for his contributions to French Cinema.

Pierre Richard is an actor, film director, and screenwriter who made a name for himself by playing the role of a clumsy daydreamer in most of his comedy flicks.

Also a competent singer, he is considered by several great performers in France to be among the finest comedians to have ever graced the screen.

He is known to have played different characters with the same name several times on celluloid.

Fabrice Luchini has been making his presence felt in the movies since the late 1960s.

Best known for his performance in feature films such as Potiche, The Women on the 6th Floor, and In the House, he received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival for his performance in the 2015 project Courted.

Even though he had a successful film career, he always considered theater to be his first love.

Gérard Lanvin is a French actor and singer who was first seen playing a minor character in the 1976 film The Wing or The Thigh?.

However, his first major role in cinema came in the cult film You will not have Alsace and Lorraine, which hit the screens in 1977.

This César Award-winning actor decided to discontinue his studies when he was 17 to become an actor. He earned the Prix Jean Gabin in 1982 for his role in Une étrange affaire.

Aside from being a mainstream screen performer, Christian Clavier is also a screenwriter, film producer, and director. He is best known for starring in two hit comedy series: Patrice Leconte's Les Bronzés and Les Visiteurs directed by Jean-Marie Poiré.

The actor started participating in tent-pole movies after the massive success of the 1993 feature film les Visiteurs. His character's cry of "Okkkayyy!!" became so popular that quite a few people were seen duplicating it back in the day.

Richard Bohringer has been active in the movies since the onset of the 1960s. So, of course, he has had a career worth looking forward to.

However, besides being a mainstream actor, he is also a musician, writer, and poet. Not only that but the actor is also known to have produced and directed several motion pictures.

He has been a recipient of the César Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1985 and the César Award for Best Actor in 1988.

This French actor is a multi-talented individual. We say so because not only has he proven himself as a screen actor but he has also served in the capacity of a director, writer, and producer.

Best known for his comedic roles, he was a founder of the comedy troupe Le Splendid in the 1970s along with a few other individuals.

Thierry Lhermitte is known to have participated in some of France's most outrageous motion pictures throughout the course of his prolific career.

This French actor was able to successfully make his presence felt in quite a few well-known American shows.

Best known for his character projection in the film Sex and the City, he can be seen in television shows such as Brothers & Sisters, Switched at Birth, Ugly Betty, and Devious Maids, to name a few.

Gilles Marini is also known to have featured as the French co-host on the Netflix show Ultimate Beastmaster.

As popular as Lambert Wilson is among the French audience, he has always strived to become a successful name in Hollywood.

Needless to say, he paved his pay quite remarkably. Five years after playing his first role on the silver screen, one could see him performing alongside Hollywood great Sean Connery in Five Days One Summer.

Even though the motion picture was soon forgotten, Lambert managed to catch the attention of many. While The Public Woman and Rendez-vous are among his most popular French features, he is best known for playing the character of The Merovingian in The Matrix series of motion pictures.

Aside from acting, the actor also happens to be a competent singer. He even released an album called Musicals in 1989.

One of the founding members of the comedy troupe Le Splendid in the 1970s, Gérard Jugnot had initially started his acting career by playing minor roles in movies.

The group and its members gained prominence after they were able to successfully adapt several of their stage hits for cinema.

Jugnot was made Chevalier (Knight) of the Légion d'honneur in 2004. He gained international fame for his lead role in the musical drama film Les Choristes.

The enigmatic Jean Reno made his acting debut by playing a minor role in the television show One Mystery a Day.

He is one of the few actors who has been able to make his undeniable presence felt in well-known American, French, English, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian movie productions.

His performance in popular movies such as Léon: The Professional, Godzilla, Mission: Impossible, The Pink Panther, and Crimson Rivers brought him international acclaim.

Reno has also been involved with the production of the third instalment of the famous Capcom series Onimusha. Not only that but he even ended up lending his voice and likeness to the protagonist Jacques Blanc. 

Furthermore, the man has also participated in American television commercials for UPS.

Frequently cast in Luc Besson's films, Jean-Hugues Anglade is an actor, film director, and screenwriter who appeared in a few television movies before starting to make his presence felt in full-length features.

The actor is best known for playing the roles of Eric in Killing Zoe, Zorg in Betty Blue, and Marco, the boyfriend of Nikita in Nikita, respectively.

Even though not extensively, Anglade is also known to have performed on the stage.

Christopher Lambert is a French-American actor who can be seen in a number of popular mainstream projects.

Even though he started playing supporting characters initially, he gained global recognition after having starred in Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.

For his outstanding performance in Subway, he received the César Award for Best Actor. That being said, Lambert's most popular character projection came in Highlander and the subsequent film franchise of the same name.

Jacques Gamblin made his feature film debut in 1985's Hell Train. He is known to have studied at the Centre dramatique de Caen (Caen Dramatic Arts Centre).

He did not initially think of taking up acting as a career. But, since he was working as a professional technician in a theater company, he ended up developing an interest in the same.

After having done a fair bit of theater, he was keen on choosing his roles carefully and, consequently, made his big-screen debut in 1985.

Olivier Martinez shot to fame after playing a significant role in the feature film Un, deux, trois, soleil, which fetched him the César Award for Most Promising Actor.

He continued to mesmerize the audience with his performance in motion pictures such as The Horseman on the Roof and The Chambermaid on the Titanic.

The actor was also seen in Hollywood productions such as Before Night Falls, Unfaithful, S.W.A.T., and Taking Lives.

Nicolas Cazalé made his acting debut on the television show Louis Page in 2000. He's a model and actor who is best known for his role in the 2004 French film Le Grand Voyage.

For his performance in the aforementioned feature, he won a well-deserved Jury Award for Best Actor at the 2005 Newport International Film Festival.

Cazalé has been called one of European cinema's up-and-coming talents. He was the recipient of the Shooting Stars Award in 2008.

Ever since the beginning of his acting career in 1998, Raphaël Personnaz has made his presence felt in over 50 motion pictures.

A recipient of the Prix Patrick Dewaere, the actor was first seen in the French television series, titled Un homme en colère ('An Angry Man' in English).

He has also been seen in the English-language film Anna Karenina, in which he starred alongside Jude Law and Keira Knightley.

Gérard Philipe was one of the better-known screen performers during the post-war era in France. Even though he did not participate in a lot of motion pictures, his contribution to French cinema between 1944 to 1959 remains indisputable.

Unfortunately, the actor met with his untimely death in 1959. However, his image has forever remained youthful and romantic to the public of France.

Needless to mention, Philipe's admirers continue to hold him in good stead.

Aside from being an actor, Jamel Debbouze is also a comedian, screenwriter, film producer, and director. Even though he is best known for his stand-up comedy sketches, he has also worked with director Alain Chabat in several films.

In addition, he has collaborated with other French humorists as well. That said, Jamel is known to have starred in a number of box-office successes such as Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra and Amélie.

Louis de Funès is one of France's most-loved performers to have ever graced the screen.

Popular for his energy and mannerisms, the actor had been a part of over 150 projects throughout his career.

He was well-known in German-speaking countries, Italy, Greece, Spain, Mauritius, and the former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc, respectively.

However, the English-speaking world has not been able to be as familiar with his work as the aforementioned nations.

Jean-Pierre Cassel had been an active screen performer ever since the beginning of the 1950s.

He rose to prominence in the late 1950s as a hero in mainstream comedy features.

He is known to have worked in acclaimed motion pictures with prominent film directors such as Luis Buñuel, Sidney Lumet, and Claude Chabrol during the 1960s and 1970s.

Cassel can be seen in projects such as The Breach, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, and Murder on the Orient Express.

Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin, known popularly by his stage name Fernandel, was an actor and singer who made his feature film debut in 1931's Black and White.

His stage name emanated from the fact that he was truly attentive to his wife Henriette Manse. This made his mother-in-law lovingly refer to him as Fernand d'elle ("Fernand of her").

Fernandel amused the audience with his remarkable comic timing and screen presence for over four decades.

Hugo Becker is a relatively new performer to make it to our story. The actor made his acting debut with The Assault in 2010. He is kbown to speak French, English, and Spanish fluently.

He is best known for playing a role in the popular American series Gossip Girl and the French thriller series Chefs.

Becker was also seen playing a key part in the American motion picture Damsels in Distress. The film was selected to be screened at the Toronto Film Festival.