François Damiens
Belgian actor, comedian, and media personality François Damiens is known by that title. Born on January 17, 1973, in Uccle, Brussels, he began his career with hidden camera videos in the 1990s. He studied at the Collège Cardinal-Mercier in Braine-l'Alleud, focusing on sciences and economics, and pursued higher education at the École pratique des hautes études commerciales, specializing in international commerce. After completing a stage in Australia, he began working in the audiovisual sector. Beginning in 1999, François Damiens first rose to prominence in Belgium during the 1990s, starting as an assistant producer for the RTL TVI hidden camera program 'Si c'était vous'. He subsequently replaced Jean-Michel Zecca and became the permanent host, demonstrating his talent. It was during this time that he created the character ‘François L’embrouille,’ known for being a grouch, condescending, incompetent, and dishonest. As François L’embrouille, he impersonated various professionals, surprising and irritating his targets in locations like chip shops, airports, dental surgeries, and ski resorts. Due to recognition, he stopped filming these hidden camera videos in 2004. Following this, Damiens moved to France to continue his work, achieving celebrity status there and in Switzerland through hoaxes disseminated on Canal+ and the internet. He has appeared in over 50 films since 2000, including OSS 117: Le Caire, nid d'espions (2006), Dikkenek (2006), Taxi 4 (2007), and JCVD (2008). He made his directorial debut in 2018 with the film Mon Ket . Damiens has received numerous nominations and awards, including a César Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for L’Arnacœur , a Magritte Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for L'Arnacœur , and a César Award nomination for Best Actor in 2016 for Les Cowboys . He was made a knight in the French Order of Arts and Letters in 2011. He continues to work as an actor, appearing in films such as 8 Rue de l'Humanité (2021).
