Kad Merad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kad Merad
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Kad Merad at the premiere of Le Petit Nicolas in 2009.
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| Born |
Kaddour Merad
27 March 1964 Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria
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| Years active | 1991-present |
| Spouse(s) |
Emmanuelle Cosso-Mérad
(m. 1992–2012) |
| Partner(s) | Julia Vignali (2014-present) |
| Children | 2 |
Kad Merad (born Kaddour Merad on March 27, 1964) is a popular French-Algerian actor and writer. He is famous for his roles in comedy and drama films and is one of France's most well-known movie stars.
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From Rock Bands to the Big Screen
Kad Merad was born in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria. His father was Algerian, and his mother was French. When he was a teenager, he loved music and was the drummer and singer for several rock bands.
His journey into acting began in a unique way. He started performing comedy sketches at Club Med resorts. This experience helped him develop his skills as a performer.
The Comedy Duo "Kad & Olivier"
A big moment in his career came in 1990 when he started working at a Paris radio station called Ouï FM. There, he met Olivier Baroux. The two quickly became friends and formed a comedy duo known as Kad & Olivier.
Their radio show, the Rock'n Roll Circus, was a huge hit. It allowed them to move to television, where they starred in their own show called La Grosse Emission. At the same time, Kad began acting in movies, usually in smaller roles.
Becoming a Movie Star
In 2003, Kad co-wrote and starred in the movie Mais Qui a tué Pamela Rose? with Olivier Baroux. The film was a box-office success and made him a bigger name in French cinema.
His talent was officially recognized in 2007 when he won the César Award for Best Supporting Actor (the French version of an Oscar). He won the award for his role in the movie Je vais Bien, ne t'en fais pas!.
Famous Roles and Movies
Kad Merad has starred in many successful films. He is known for being able to play both funny and serious characters.
Welcome to the Sticks
In 2008, Kad starred in Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis (Welcome to the Sticks). He played Philippe Abrams, a post office manager who is transferred to a town in the north of France. The movie was a massive, unexpected hit.
It became the most successful French film of all time in France, with over 20 million people going to see it in theaters. The film's humor about regional stereotypes made people all over the country laugh.
Other Notable Films
- The Chorus (2004): In this famous film, he played a supervisor at a strict boarding school for boys.
- Little Nicholas (2009): He played the father in this popular family movie based on a famous series of children's books.
- 22 Bullets (2010): He showed his serious side by playing a mobster in this action-packed crime film.
- The Big Hit (2020): He played an actor who starts a theater workshop inside a prison, with great results.
- Voice Acting: Kad has also lent his voice to animated characters. He was the French voice of Tuke in Brother Bear and Ramón in Happy Feet.
Charity Work and Other Projects
Since 2007, Kad has been a member of Les Enfoirés, a group of French singers and celebrities. Every year, they put on a concert to raise money for people in need.
Besides acting, Kad has also directed and written a few films, including Monsieur Papa and Marseille. He has also performed in several plays on stage in Paris.
See also
In Spanish: Kad Merad para niños
