Philippe Duquesne

Biography

Philippe Duquesne is a French actor born in 1965, best known for his work in mainstream French cinema across the first two decades of the 2000s. His career has moved between hit comedies, period dramas and auteur films, and he has also built a steady presence on television.

He is especially associated with comedy. In 2004 Yolande Moreau, his co-star on television, cast him in her first film as a director, When the Sea Rises, which became a critical success and won the César for Best First Feature Film. Four years later he starred in Welcome to the Sticks, one of the most successful French comedies of its era, which pays tribute to the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. He also appears in Gainsbourg (2010) and in Jean Becker's Elisa (1995). He is a frequent collaborator of Albert Dupontel, featuring in several of the director's films, including 9 Month Stretch (2013). Since 2020 he has played Michel Specklin in the television series Parlement, created by Noé Debré.

Key films

• When the Sea Rises (2004), directed by Yolande Moreau, in a supporting role alongside its director.
• Welcome to the Sticks (2008), a hugely successful comedy that portrays the north of France with humour.
• Gainsbourg (2010), a biopic about the singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.
• 9 Month Stretch (2013), directed by Albert Dupontel, one of his regular collaborations with the filmmaker.
• Elisa (1995), directed by Jean Becker.