Born on October 4, 1953, in Istanbul, Turkey, he later moved to France where he pursued acting. He studied at the Cyrano Theatre and became a member of the National Theatre of Strasbourg. Known for his intense performances, he gained international recognition with films like "La Femme Nikita," "The Patriot," and "Bad Boys." He also starred in the acclaimed TV series "The Missing." His versatile career spans both European and Hollywood cinema, earning him numerous accolades for his work.