Gilles Renaud

Gilles Renaud is a veteran Canadian actor renowned for his versatile performances across both cinema and television in Quebec. Born on 25 September 1944 in Montreal, Quebec, he began his career in the early 1970s, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence on the French‑Canadian screen. Over the decades he has built a robust résumé that includes leading and supporting roles in a wide range of genres, from gritty dramas to light‑hearted comedies, showcasing his ability to convey nuanced emotion and subtle humor. In 1983 he earned a Genie Award nomination for Best Actor for his work in A Day in a Taxi (Une journée en taxi), marking his emergence as a notable talent in the national film industry. His skill continued to be recognized with two Jutra Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, first in 2007 for The Secret Life of Happy People (La Vie secrète des gens heureux) and again in 2014 for The Dismantling (Le Démantèlement). Renaud’s commitment to his craft is evident in his willingness to tackle demanding scenes; in 2016 he filmed a dramatic death sequence for the television series Mémoires Vives while simultaneously working on the feature film Bad Seeds. The following year he appeared in François Girard’s ambitious historical drama Hochelaga, Land of Souls, portraying a Montreal archaeologist obsessed with uncovering the forgotten city of Hochelaga. Throughout his career, Renaud has remained a staple of Quebec’s cultural landscape, contributing to the region’s artistic identity and inspiring younger generations of actors. His longevity and consistency reflect a deep dedication to storytelling, making him a respected figure in Canadian entertainment. Beyond his screen appearances, Renaud has also participated in theatre productions and voice‑over work, further demonstrating his adaptability. His ongoing presence in contemporary projects ensures that his legacy will continue to influence the evolution of Quebecois film and television for years to come.