Gilles Lellouche

Gilles Lellouche (born 5 July 1972 in Savigny-sur-Orge, France) is a celebrated French actor, director and screenwriter whose career has spanned more than two decades. Born to a father of Algerian‑Jewish descent and a mother of Irish Catholic background, Lellouche grew up in a culturally diverse household that nurtured his appreciation for storytelling; his older brother Philippe Lellouche also pursued acting and directing, creating a familial link to the cinematic world. After graduating from drama school, he made his on‑screen debut in the mid‑1990s and quickly became known for his charismatic presence and versatile range, moving seamlessly between comedy, drama and thriller genres. He earned his first César nomination in 2006 as Most Promising Actor for his work in early films and gained a second César nod for Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for his performance in Little White Lies (2010), solidifying his reputation among France’s elite performers. Lellouche’s filmography includes notable titles such as Point Blank (2010), The Intouchables (2011) where he delivered a memorable supporting role, and Un plus une (2015), demonstrating his ability to anchor both lead and ensemble pieces. In 2014 he expanded his creative horizons by directing the crime drama The Great Game, which received praise for its gritty realism and strong character development. Beyond the screen, he has been an outspoken voice in industry debates; in 2017 he publicly defended Roman Polanski’s involvement with the César Awards, a controversial stance that sparked widespread media discussion. His personal life has attracted public interest as well: he was in a long‑term partnership with actress Mélanie Doutey from 2002 until 2013, with whom he shares a daughter born in September 2009, and since 2015 he has been with former model Alizée Guinochet, the couple welcoming a son in November 2022. With a career still flourishing, Gilles Lellouche remains a dynamic figure in contemporary French cinema, celebrated for his charismatic performances, directorial ambition, and his willingness to engage in the cultural conversations of his time.