Youssef Hajdi

Youssef Hajdi, born 8 June 1979 in Tarascon (Bouches‑du‑Rhône, France), is a French actor of Moroccan descent who has become a recognizable face in contemporary French cinema. Raised in the nearby town of Beaucaire, he moved to Paris at the age of twenty, immersing himself in the vibrant cafe‑theatre scene and performing at the Théâtre de l’Avancée, where his passion for the craft deepened. From 2002 to 2005 he honed his technique under the tutelage of Jack Waltzer, a lifetime member of the Actors Studio, an experience that equipped him with a versatile acting toolkit. His breakthrough came with the 2007 independent film 13 m² directed by Barthélémy Grossmann, a role that earned him a César Award nomination the following year and signaled his arrival on the national stage. Hajdi subsequently collaborated with celebrated directors, starring in Luc Besson’s The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc‑Sec (2010) and Jean‑Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs (2009), showcasing his ability to blend humor with dramatic depth. In 2012 he joined a star‑studded cast alongside Omar Sy and Laurent Lafitte in On the Other Side of the Tracks, a testament to his growing reputation as a reliable ensemble player. The following year he appeared with Éric Judor in Mohamed Dubois, further expanding his comedic repertoire. His 2014 performance as Dr. Eddy Clavel in La Dernière Échappée placed him opposite Samuel Le Bihan’s portrayal of cyclist Laurent Fignon, highlighting his skill in supporting dramatic narratives. Diversifying his talents, Hajdi provided voice work for the animated feature Pourquoi j’ai pas mangé mon père (2015) by Jamel Debbouze, demonstrating his vocal versatility. Over the ensuing years he amassed an extensive filmography, including roles in Deerskin (2019), Bigbug (2022), and the recent Disparition inquiétante: Retour aux sources (2023), cementing his status as a prolific and adaptable figure in French cinema.