Thomas Doret

Thomas Doret is a Belgian actor born on 10 December 1996 in Seraing, Belgium, who rose to international prominence after being cast as Cyril in the Dardenne brothers' critically acclaimed film The Kid with a Bike. From a modest background—his father worked as a warehouseman and his mother as a printer—Doret cultivated a disciplined work ethic early, practicing karate and tennis from the age of six while attending the Athénée Royal Air Pur of Seraing, which helped him develop both physical agility and focus that later benefited his performances. At just thirteen he delivered a breakout performance alongside Cécile de France, captivating audiences with a natural authenticity that belied his youth, and earning him recognition as one of Belgium's most promising young talents. The following year he portrayed Claude Renoir in Gilles Bourdos' Renoir, sharing the screen with veteran actors such as Michel Bouquet and deepening his portfolio with a role that required a nuanced understanding of artistic lineage. In addition to his film work, Doret has contributed to cultural events, serving as Président du jury jeune at the Festival international du film policier de Liège in 2013 and being honored as Ambassadeur d'honneur de la province de Liège, reflecting his growing influence in the Belgian arts community. More recently he has expanded into television, starring in a six‑episode series titled Paris, which follows the intersecting lives of fourteen characters in the French capital and showcases his versatility across media. Throughout his career, Doret has consistently demonstrated a blend of emotional depth and physical presence, drawing on his early athletic training and academic background to bring layered characters to life. His trajectory suggests that he will continue to be a significant presence in European cinema, potentially crossing over into broader international projects as he matures as an artist.