Isaach De Bankolé

Isaach de Bankolé, born as Zachari Bankolé on August 12, 1957, is a prominent Ivoirian actor who has made significant contributions to the film industry in France and the United States. He garnered recognition and won the 1987 César Award for Most Promising Actor through his striking performance in the film Black Mic Mac. His rise to fame skyrocketed with a starring role in Claire Denis' 1988 film Chocolat.

Isaach continued to dazzle international audiences through pivotal roles under director Jim Jarmusch. This included playing characters like Mamadou in A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries (1998), Timothy in Lars von Trier's Manderlay (2005), playing the villain Steven Obanno in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, and assuming the role of River Tribe Elder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Black Panther (2018) and its 2022 sequel. He also showcased his talent on the small screen as President Ule Matobo on the Fox television series 24 (2008-09).

Born and raised in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Isaach matured under the influence of his Yoruba parents from Benin, with his grandparents being of Nigerian descent. Isaach later moved to Paris in 1975 for his last year of lycée, and pursued a master's degree in physics and mathematics at the University of Paris. But he found his calling in acting when he met French director Gérard Vergez and subsequently enrolled in the Cours Simon, a Parisian drama school.

Since 1997, Isaach has been based in the United States where he continued his illustrious acting career. He played diverse roles, from being a journalist interviewing an imprisoned Puerto Rican revolutionary in the movie Machetero, to showcasing his villainous streak as Steven Obanno, a terrorist, in Casino Royale. His unwavering dedication to his craft earned him the Knight of the French Legion of Honour in 2007, a testament to his impactful contributions to the French film industry.