Although Guillaume Gallienne first pursued a degree in history, his passion for acting prevailed, and he was later admitted to the Cours Florent as well as the prestigious Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique, where he studied under the tutelage of Daniel Mesguich. In 1998, Gallienne joined the Comédie-Française, and his versatility as a performer has allowed him to embark on a successful film career, appearing in both commercial comedies and auteur-driven projects, such as Jet Set (2000), Fauteuils d’orchestre (2006), and Marie-Antoinette (2006). Gallienne’s breakthrough came with his autobiographical one-man show, Les Garçons et Guillaume, à table! (2013), which he wrote and starred in. The film adaptation of the latter was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for 10 César Awards. In addition to his acting prowess, Gallienne has demonstrated his talents as a screenwriter and director, writing the libretto for the ballet Caligula at the Paris Opera and adapting Balzac’s Lost Illusions for the Bolshoi Theatre. But the actor has one more string to his bow, and also stands out for his radio career. His show Ca peut pas faire de mal on France Inter, which he hosted between 2009 and 2020, is particularly noteworthy, as he reads and comments on literary works. Throughout his career, Gallienne has been recognized for his contributions to the arts, receiving the distinction of Chevalier in the Ordre National du Mérite and Officier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. His unique blend of humour, sensitivity, and erudition has made him a beloved figure in the French cultural landscape.
