Born on July 15, 1959, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, he emerged as a prominent French actor known for his intense performances and versatility. Starting his career in the early 1980s, he gained recognition through roles in films like "The School of Flesh" and "The Measure of a Man," for which he won the Best Actor award at Cannes in 2015. Often portraying complex, working-class characters, he is celebrated for his authentic and emotive acting style, earning multiple César Award nominations throughout his career.