International Movie Stars Born in Morocco

Jean Reno was born Juan Moreno y Herrera-Jiménez in Casablanca, Morocco, to Spanish parents (from Andalucía) who moved to North Africa to seek work. His father was a linotypist. Reno settled in France at 17. He began studying drama and has credits in French television and theater as well as films. His first two marriages both ended in divorce, and he had two children with each of them. He keeps homes in Paris and Los Angeles.

Gad was born in Morocco in April 1971. His father was a mime. He was a student at Georges Bizet school and Lycée Lyautey in Casablanca but didn't like school much. In 1988, Gad left Casablanca to go to Montreal. He stayed there for 4 years, during which he was a political science student for one year, worked on radio, wrote humorous stories and played them in night clubs.

In 1992, he came to Paris and took Le Cours Florent course where he has, among others, Isabelle Nanty as a teacher. He wrote a one-man show named 'Décalages' which told a lot about his experiences in Montreal and Paris in 1996. Three years later, he presented his second one-man show named 'La Vie Normale', again staged by Isabelle Nanty. Gad was revealed as a humorist but is also a great actor who starred in various French movies. Gad lived with French actress Anne Brochet and has a son, Noé. One of his best friends in business is Jamel Debbouze.

Nadia Farès was born on 20 December 1968 in Marrakech, Morocco. She is an actress and composer, known for The Crimson Rivers (2000), Wasabi (2001) and War (2007). She has been married to Steven Chasman since July 2002. They have two children.

Zineb Triki was born in 1980 in Casablanca, Morocco. She is an actress, known for The Bureau (2015), Eagles of the Republic (2025) and Vortex (2022).

Little known by the general public, Moroccan-born Amidou can nevertheless boast an onstage and on screen career spanning almost five decades. Appearing in French films most of the time, he also worked in Morocco, in Tunisia and in American action movies like William Friedkin's 'The Sorcerer' and 'Rules of Engagement', John Frankenheimer's 'Ronin' and Tony Scott's 'Spy Game'. Good-looking and charming, Amidou can easily become frightening and threatening. He is as convincing in the role of a friendly blue collar in 'Smic Smac Smoc' as in that of a dim-witted henchman in 'Fleur d'Oseille'. To be fair, he appeared more often as a dropout or a thug than as positive figure, but this is due to the fact that he started his career in the nineteen sixties, when French cinema was not yet ready to show a North African as just another citizen. Had Amidou debuted later he would have landed more rewarding roles like those now interpreted by Roschdy Zem or Sami Bouajila. Born in 1942 in Rabat, Amidou Ben Messaoud was the son of a justice of the peace and the nephew of the owner of several movie theaters, which gave him the opportunity to see lots of films. On the other hand, the young boy discovered at school that, although he was a bad pupil, he could captivate an audience when, during French lessons, he told and mimicked fables by La Fontaine. Later on, he studied drama at the Conservatoire de Paris and was immediately hired by Jean-Louis Barrault in 1961. Noticed by Jean Genet while he was rehearsing for a bit part, he was given the role of Said instead. At the same time, Claude Lelouch gave him his first part in 'Le Propre de l'Homme' Amidou would then appear in nine other films directed by Lelouch, who also gave him his only starring role in a French movie entitled 'La Vie, l'Amour, la Mort', a pamphlet against the death penalty. Kept busy by the big screen, Amidou was less active in the theatre but played a one man show in the late 1990s ('Le Piston') and held the lead in Mehdi Charef's '1962' in 2005. He also occasionally appeared on TV. Lately Amidou has been honored twice - and quite deservedly so. He was indeed awarded two best actor prizes, one at the Cairo International Festival, for Leila Triquie's 'Poursuite' (2005) and the other at the Tangiers Film Festival for 'Ici et Là' by Rachid Boutounès (2005)

Sofia Essaïdi was born on 6 August 1984 in Casablanca, Morocco. She is an actress, known for Aïcha (2008), Overdose (2022) and Mea culpa (2014).

Aharon Ipalé was born on 27 December 1941 in Morocco. He was an actor, known for The Mummy (1999), The Mummy Returns (2001) and Fiddler on the Roof (1971). He died on 27 June 2016 in Tel Hashomer, Israel.

Bibiana Fernández was born on 13 February 1954 in Tánger, Morocco. She is an actress, known for Rowing with the Wind (1988), Law of Desire (1987) and Matador (1986). She was previously married to Asdrúbal Ametller.

Nathalie Delon was born on 1 August 1941 in Oujda, French Protectorate Morocco [now Morocco]. She was an actress and writer, known for Le Samouraï (1967), They Call It an Accident (1982) and The French Dispatch (2021). She was married to Alain Delon and Guy Barthelemy. She died on 21 January 2021 in Paris, France.

Based in Paris, Soufiane El Khalidy is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and writer known for his charismatic screen presence and compelling performances in Hollywood and European productions. He has starred in acclaimed projects such as Ghosts of Beirut, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Eight, Riley Parra, Shockwave: Countdown to Disaster, and Mary alongside the Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins. His ability to portray complex characters with intensity and depth has established him as a rising star in international cinema.

Born with a passion for storytelling, El Khalidy pursued his education in the United States at Full Sail University, where he honed his skills in filmmaking and acting. He began his career in Los Angeles, immersing himself in the Hollywood industry and quickly gaining recognition for his work. His talent and dedication earned him a coveted spot for preliminary auditions at The Actors Studio in New York, a testament to his commitment to the craft.

El Khalidy's career includes collaborations with prestigious actors and directors. He starred alongside Lambert Wilson in Klandestin and Benoît Magimel in the diptych De Gaulle, showcasing his ability to hold his own among established stars. He has also worked with director Roel Reiné in Colosseum, proving his versatility across genres.

Beyond acting, El Khalidy is a skilled writer and filmmaker. He has written and directed critically acclaimed short films, including Flags and Masks Down and Colonized Mind. His films and scripts have been nominated at dozens of international film festivals, further cementing his status as a multifaceted artist.

One of his most notable literary works is his book, Les Riffs d'un Moroccan Rebel, a bold and introspective exploration of identity, rebellion, and artistic passion. The book blends elements of rock music, cinematic influences, and personal experiences, reflecting El Khalidy's unconventional journey as an artist navigating the crossroads between cultures. Often described as having the atmosphere of a Nine Inch Nails or Lenny Kravitz song, the book delivers an electrifying, poetic narrative about a free-spirited individual defying norms while searching for deeper meaning in art and life. The themes of freedom, music, and defiance resonate strongly with his own artistic ethos, making it a must-read for those interested in rebellious creativity and self-expression.

El Khalidy has also appeared in several high-profile music videos, blending his cinematic presence with the world of music. His ability to bring intensity and emotion to the screen has made him a sought-after performer for visually striking and story-driven music videos. Some of his notable appearances include clips from famous rock bands such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, One Ok Rock, Train and "Tatooine/Maintenance" by the french rapper, Jxsh.

Influenced by cinema and music icons such as Steve McQueen, Tom Cruise, David Fincher, Stanley Kubrick, Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Trent Reznor, Chris Cornell, Prince and Lenny Kravitz, El Khalidy brings a distinctive blend of energy, mystery, and authenticity to his performances. Known for his striking looks and magnetic charisma, he has captured the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike.

El Khalidy is represented in France by Emmanuelle Bourcy (Marceline Lenoir Agency), and he continues to make waves in both Hollywood and European cinema. With his raw talent, artistic vision, and relentless drive, he remains one of the most exciting actors of his generation.

El Khalidy is trained in combat sports, stage fighting, cars and firearms handling, making him a natural fit for action-oriented roles. His athleticism and discipline have allowed him to perform many of his own stunts on screen.

Soufiane El Khalidy is married to the French actress Nadia Benzakour, who gained recognition for her lead role in The Princes of the Desert by Eric Barbier. The couple has been seen together at prestigious events, including the 2024 Marrakech Film Festival.

Born to Moroccan parents, El Khalidy has always embraced his heritage while building an international career. Though he has worked exclusively in Hollywood and European productions, his North African roots remain an integral part of his artistic identity. In Europe, he is known as a rising star with Hollywood appeal, having worked alongside prominent European actors and directors. In Africa, particularly within the Moroccan community, El Khalidy stands out as one of the most internationally visible actors of his generation, establishing a strong foothold in global cinema despite not working in Moroccan productions.

Michel Galabru was born on 27 October 1922 in Safi, French Protectorate of Morocco [now Morocco]. He was an actor and writer, known for Subway (1985), La Cage aux Folles (1978) and Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (1999). He was married to Claude Etevenon and Annette Jacquot. He died on 4 January 2016 in Paris, France.

Macha Méril was born on 3 September 1940 in Rabat, French Protectorate in Morocco [now Morocco]. She is an actress and producer, known for Deep Red (1975), Belle de Jour (1967) and Vagabond (1985). She was previously married to Michel Legrand and Gian Vittorio Baldi.

Arié Elmaleh was born on 7 January 1975 in Casablanca, Morocco. He is an actor and director, known for L'école pour tous (2006), Molière (2007) and Persepolis (2007).

When he was seven years old Michel Qissi began training in boxing. He soon met and befriended a young Jean-Claude Van Varenberg (Jean-Claude Van Damme) who was studying Shotokan Karate, and the two traded techniques in their systems. They grew up together and shared the same love of action films and dreamed of being action stars themselves one day. In 1982, Qissi and Jean-Claude went to Hollywood together to look for a career in action movies. landing their big break in 1986. After obtaining an interview with Menahem Golan of Cannon Pictures they secured a three-picture deal, the first of which was the highly successful Bloodsport. In Cyborg (1989), Qissi worked as Van Damme's personal trainer but had no part in the cast. In the picture, Kickboxer (1989), Qissi was working as a choreographer when he overheard the production crew say they needed a tall Asian-looking guy who had a background in Muay Thai. Qissi had studied Muay Thai years before in Thailand so he volunteered and got the part of Tong Po. Michel Qissi was not credited; however, he was dubbed as Tong Po and even given a make-up job to make him look Asian. His final picture with Van Damme was Lionheart (1990) (AWOL), playing a legionnaire sent to bring Van Damme back to the army. Since then, he returned to his role of Tong Po in the sequel Kickboxer 2: The Road Back (1991). Qissi also did a few of his own flicks including Terminator Woman (1993) which he directed; he also had a relative Jeanette Agaronoff as the writer for this movie. Extreme Force (2001) was a movie directed by him along side Hector Echavarria as once again looking just like Tong Po but under the moniker Kong Li.

Some say he is the best Israeli actor since Shaeyke Offir, Moshe Ivgi exteblished himself as a serious, professional, talented actor. Since finishing acting school, Moshe made several films until his break in "under the nose" ("Mitahat La'af), when he played a tough young criminal. Moshe kept doing movies, with a couple of great performances, for example: "Dreams of Innocence" ("Sipur Shematchil Belevaya Shel Nachash"), and "the Revenge of Itzik Finkelstein" ("Nikmato Shel Itzik Finkelstein")that gave him an Academy nomination. Those movies made him known as a very good actor, but his big break that made him one of the best actors in Israeli cinema was his heartbreaking, brilliant performance in "Lovesick on Nana Street" ("Hole ahava beshicun gimel"), where he played Victor, one of the most interesting, complicated chracters in Israeli cinema history, a performance that gave him an Israeli Academy award. Moshe's career was in high speed, and he kept giving great performances, and got another Academy Award nomination playing Shalom Shalom in "The investigation must go on" ("Haboleshet hokeret"). Recently, Ivgi started to work even more passionetely, when he gave two great performances in 2004: Yossi in "campfire" (Medurat Hashevet), and Siso in "Metalic Blues", the first gave him an Academy nomination, and the second he won, making him one of the very few actors who own two Academy awards. Ivgi has numerous awards from around the world, and he is loved by the critics.

Roland Giraud was born on 14 February 1942 in Rabat, French Protectorate in Morocco [now Morocco]. He is an actor, known for The Gilded Cage (2013), Three Men and a Cradle (1985) and Elle voit des nains partout! (1982). He has been married to Maaike Jansen since 1966. They have one child.