François Berléand

**François Berléand**, born 22 April 1952, is a notable French actor. Born in Paris, France to a Russian father and French mother, Berléand started his acting career somewhat reluctantly while studying at a business school. His first stage role was in the play called 'Sur une plage de l'Ouest' (On a beach in the West). Following this, he worked under the direction of Daniel from 1974 to 1981, participating in a dozen productions, mainly of contemporary classics. This successful actor is best known for his role as Gilles Triquet on 'Le Bureau', the French version of 'The Office', and for his appearances in popular film series, 'The Transporter'. In terms of his film career, Berléand started taking up supporting roles in successful comedies in the 80s. His breakthrough role came with the film 'My Small Business' for which he won the prestigious César for best actor in a supporting role. His leading roles in 'My Idol' by Guillaume Canet, and 'The Transporter' series as an active and honest police officer Tarconi, made him a recognizable face in French cinema. He often portrays military and cop characters due to his piercing, cold, and distant gaze. Additionally, in 2006, he even penned a book about his troubled childhood which is titled 'Le fils de l'homme invisible' (The son of the invisible man).