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Gad Elmaleh is a Moroccan-Canadian stand-up comedian and actor, widely recognized for his comedic talent and acting roles in both French and international cinema. His career spans successful one-man shows and significant film appearances, making him a versatile artist for brand collaborations and endorsements.
Netflix has proven itself a strong partner of Elmaleh's, signing him for two standup specials ('Gad Gone Wild', 'American Dream') and a series, 'Huge in France'.
In collaboration with Grégoire Furrer, head of Montreux Comedy and Lille's Lillarious festival, Elmaleh is creating Jubil.
Gad Elmaleh was born in Casablanca, Morocco, on April 19, 1971. His early exposure to performance arts came through his father, who was a mime. Elmaleh pursued his education in Montreal, Canada, studying political science at the University of Montreal and McGill University for four years before moving to Paris in 1992 to study drama at Le Cours Florent. This foundational period in Canada and France shaped his unique comedic style, blending cultural observations and a distinct narrative voice.
His career took off with his autobiographical one-man show, ‘Décalages,’ performed at the Palais des Glaces in 1997. This was followed by ‘La Vie Normale,’ which marked his first performance at the Olympia in Paris and further solidified his reputation as a humorist. Elmaleh has consistently sold out venues such as the Olympia and Le Palais des Sports, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators. His comedic approach, often compared to Jerry Seinfeld’s for its focus on everyday life, brought an American-style stand-up to France. In addition to his stage success, Elmaleh has starred in numerous films, including ‘Priceless’ (2006) alongside Audrey Tautou, where he played the character Jean, and ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011) as Détective Tisserant. His filmography also includes ‘Jack and Jill’ (2011) and the animated “Bee Movie” (2007, French voice of Barry B. Benson), demonstrating his broad appeal across different genres.
Elmaleh expanded his career to the United States in 2015 with his “Oh My Gad” tour, performing in English and gaining recognition on late-night shows and with his Netflix series ‘Huge in France’ (2019). This transition to the American market showcased his adaptability and continued growth as a global entertainer. His work has earned him significant accolades, including being voted the “funniest man of the year” by TF1 viewers in 2007 and receiving the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Minister of Culture in 2006. He was also made a Member of the National Order of Quebec in 2017, recognizing his contributions to arts and culture.
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