Born in an artistic family, Vincent Cassel took an interest in the performing arts at a young age. After studying at prestigious schools such as the École des Roches and the Centre international de Valbonne, he went on to train at the Actor’s Institute in New York and the Atelier International de Théâtre in Paris. In 1995, Matthieu Kassowitz’s groundbreaking film La Haine sent shockwaves through the film industry, and allowed Vincent Cassel to win his first César Award nominations for Most Promising Actor and Best Actor for his role of Vinz. Like a chameleon, he then took on a wide range of roles, from the violent criminal in Dobermann (1997) to the shy and introverted character in L’Appartement (1996). He has often collaborated with his former wife, Italian actress Monica Bellucci, in films such as Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) and Irréversible (2002). Hollywood welcomed him with open arms as he appeared in blockbusters like the Ocean’s trilogy and Black Swan (2010). His portrayal of the notorious French gangster Jacques Mesrine in the two-part biopic Mesrine (2008) earned him the César Award for Best Actor in 2009. Whether it’s through his work as a producer or his advocacy for environmental causes, Vincent Cassel captivates the public with his magnetic screen presence as well as his willingness to take on complex, multifaceted roles.
