On June 19, we’ll celebrating the birthday of one of French audiences’ favorite actors, Jean Dujardin ! He’s one of French cinema’s defining figure and his talent is matched only by his fame. The unique filmography he has amassed—ranging from tragic to comedic roles—has enabled him to form a very strong bond with his audience.
We’ve worked with him on six films released to French audiences, all of which have their own universe and through which he has thrilled viewers with his depth and range. Let’s take a closer look at this collaboration full of amazing characters!
It all started in 2005 with L’Amour aux Trousses directed by Philippe de Chauveron. A young actor at the time, he starred opposite Pascal Elbé and Caterina Murino in a comedy that’s as funny as it is wacky!
A year later, he found himself in THE role that would make him a star, playing Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, aka OSS 117! Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, Jean Dujardin made the craziest secret agent in French cinema a cult legend with OSS 17: Lost in Rio, then OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies.
And to mark his birthday, he’s the one with a gift for you:
Happy Birthday to @JeanDujardinOff who’ll soon be back as Hubert Bonisseur de Labatte in the third installment of the #OSS117 series! pic.twitter.com/C64ZlPgIvN
— Gaumont (@Gaumont) June 19 2019
A few years later, he made his first foray away from comedy with The Connection. Here, he’s simply astonishing, playing a judge ready to do anything to combat the mafia in Marseilles. With this film directed by Cédric Jimenez and released in 2014, Jean Dujardin broke with his established image and ventured beyond his comedic talents. Alongside co-star Gilles Lellouche and other cast members such as Céline Sallette, Mélanie Doutey, Benoît Magimel and Guillaume Gouix, he surprised viewers and gained an all-new audience.
How can we not think about Brice from Nice when looking back at Jean Dujardin’s career? With this wacky character, the comedian turned actor became even more famous in France. In 2016, Jean Dujardin donned the yellow jersey worn by the world’s least courageous surfer once more to make almost 2 million viewers across France laugh out loud!
In 2016, he appeared in Up for Love. With this feature-length film by Laurent Tirard, Jean Dujardin sought to break down the physical conventions that modern dating imposes on us. Why should we fit into certain boxes just to please other people? This is exactly what the director and actor wanted to challenge with this rom-com—a fine showcase for actress Virginie Efira—released in 2016!
Once again, a very happy birthday to Mr Jean Dujardin and thank you for all the hours of laughter and excitement you’ve given us!
