Tcheky Karyo

Born: 4 October 1953
Where: Istanbul, Turkey

One of France's most popular actors, he was nominated for a Cesar Award for his starring role in La Balance, and then received the prestigious Jean Gabin Prize in 1986.

Further afield he is a familiar face in such international successes as The Patriot and GoldenEye.

Growing up in Paris, he studied drama at the Cyrano Theatre and then joind the National Theatre of Strasbourg.

He made appearances in Luc Besson's The Messenger and La Femme Nikita as well as other English-language based films, including Saving Grace, Bad Boys, Addicted to Love.

Perhaps best remembered for his role of Nostradamus in the film of the same name, Kyro also co-stars opposite Nick Nolte in the Neil Jordan comedy The Good Thief.

Recent roles include The Transporter and the enjoyable American disaster movie The Core.