Patrick Timsit

Patrick Timsit is a French comedian, writer, actor and film director whose career has spanned more than three decades. Born on 15 July 1959 in Algiers, Algeria, he comes from an Algerian Jewish family and later acquired French citizenship, allowing him to become a prominent voice in French popular culture. From the mid‑1980s he began performing stand‑up comedy, quickly gaining notoriety for his sharp wit and ability to blend satire with heartfelt observation, which led to his first screen appearance in the late 1980s. His breakthrough as a film actor arrived with the cult comedy La Crise (1992), earning him a César nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and he continued to collect critical acclaim with roles in Pédale douce (1996) – a double‑nominated film for both acting and screenplay – and Le cousin (1997). Over the years, Timsit has shown remarkable versatility, starring in diverse projects ranging from historical farce (portraying Charles VIII in Sans peur et sans reproche) to voice work in major animated features such as the French dub of Shark Tale (2004) and Dragon Hunters (2008). His directorial effort Quasimodo d’El Paris (1999) demonstrated his talent behind the camera, while his participation in the TV adventure series Rendez‑vous en terre inconnue (2006) reaffirmed his broad public appeal. Beyond the screen, Timsit is celebrated for his contributions to French comedy writing, having penned scripts that blend social commentary with slapstick humor. His enduring presence in cinema and television reflects both his artistic adaptability and his deep connection to the cultural fabric of France.