Christophe Malavoy

A prolific thespian and director, German-born Christophe Malavoy is a well-respected artist in France. He began his acting career at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts et Techniques du Theatre (ENSATT), an actor's training program in the city of Lyon, where he performed in such productions as Shakespeare's "Troilus and Cressida" and "Measure for Measure." Malavoy nabbed bit parts in several French films before starring as Christophe in the 1982 film "Family Rock," a performance that won him a Cêsar Award for Most Promising Actor. With his newfound success on the big screen, Malavoy appeared in dozens of films and TV series throughout the '80s, earning him several more César Awards and securing his reputation as a powerful actor. His passion for history often appeared in his work; films such as the 1989 Napoleonic-era drama "La soule" and 1990's CinemaScope epic "Jean Galmot, aventurier" featured Malavoy leaping across the screen in elaborate sword fights and battles. After starring in Claude Chabrol's lavish 1991 adaptation of "Madame Bovary," Malavoy turned mostly to the small screen in many acclaimed roles, such as the title character in Yves Boisset's "L'affaire Seznec." Stating that the film industry has only worsened since the 1980s, he returned to the stage in the 2000s as both a writer and actor.