Karim Leklou

Karim Leklou is a French actor born on 20 June 1982 in Sèvres, a commune in the Hauts‑de‑Seine department of Île‑de‑France. Raised in the culturally rich suburbs of Paris, he developed an early fascination with cinema and theater, attending local workshops that honed his natural talent for intense, nuanced performances. Leklou made his screen debut in 2009 when acclaimed director Jacques Audiard cast him in a small but memorable role in the crime drama A Prophet, a film that went on to achieve international recognition and earned him valuable industry exposure. Building on this momentum, he secured supporting parts in Suzanne and Grand Central, each role allowing him to explore different facets of contemporary French storytelling and to collaborate with a diverse range of filmmakers. In 2018, Leklou landed the lead role in the television series Hippocrate, portraying a young physician navigating the pressures of a modern hospital; his performance was praised for its emotional depth and earned him a recurring role when the series returned for a second season in 2021. The following years saw him expand his repertoire with appearances in the historical epic Sons of Ramses (2022), the patriotic drama For My Country (2022), and the psychological thriller Time Out (2023), each project demonstrating his versatility across genres. At the 50th César Awards in 2025, he received the prestigious Best Actor prize for his compelling portrayal in Jim's Story, cementing his status as one of France’s most compelling contemporary performers. Beyond the screen, Leklou is known for his commitment to social causes, frequently participating in charity events that support youth arts programs in suburban Paris. His dedication to both his craft and his community continues to inspire emerging actors, and his career trajectory suggests that he will remain a vital presence in French cinema for years to come.