Jean Dujardin

Jean Dujardin, born Jean Edmond Dujardin, is a French actor and comedian known for his versatile acting skills. He launched his career as a stand-up comedian in Paris and made guest appearances in comedic television programmes and films. His breakthrough role came in late 1999 with the cult TV series Un gars, une fille, where he co-starred with his then-partner Alexandra Lamy. He gained considerable fame with popular film comedies like Brice de Nice (2005), OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006), its sequel OSS 117: Lost in Rio (2009), and 99 Francs (2007). Dujardin's global recognition skyrocketed with his performance as George Valentin in the award-winning silent movie The Artist (2011) by Michel Hazanavicius. His portrayal in The Artist bagged him numerous accolades including the Academy Award for Best Actor - first for a French actor. Despite international fame, Dujardin maintained his focus on France, where he continues to be a celebrated actor. He later appeared in English-language films The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and The Monuments Men (2014). A review of his career shows that his formative roles were often unapologetic, childlike men who steadfastly resist the responsibilities of adulthood.