Global Talent Directory

Comedians Directory

Browse comedian profiles, biographical summaries, country of origin, and official links.

1801 comedians

Alban Ivanov

Alban Ivanov is a French humorist, comedian, and improviser. Born on September 10, 1984, in Narbonne, France, his background is Russian. He developed a passion for comedy at age 11 and began performing artistically in 1997 with the Ligue d'improvisation des Yvelines. He trained in theatrical improvisation with Alain Degois at Déclic Théâtre, later joining the Déclic Théâtre company. His full name is Alban Maurice Igor Yvinaï Juvénal. Ivanov’s career includes diverse roles and collaborations. From 2002 to 2004, he appeared in television commercials for AOL and Bouygues Telecom, and had roles in several TV series such as Âge sensible , L'Instit , and SOS 18 . He performed with the troupe Trait d'Union in 2002 and in the duo Not mo Molière with Djemel Barek in 2005. He also appeared in collective shows from 2004, including Les Soirées Cecilia and La Famille . In 2008, he starred in the humorous mini-series Dur dur d’être le fils de… , and hosted open mic nights at the Jamel Comedy Club starting in 2009. He met Jamel Debbouze who helped launch his career, and Debbouze later gave him the reins of the Jamel Comedy Club. Ivanov has gained recognition for his improv and sketch comedy. He had a film debut in 2011 in Les Mythos , followed by roles in films such as Anyone (2014), Le Sens de la fête (2017), Le Grand Bain (2018), and Patients (2017), for which he won Best Male Performance at the Sarlat Film Festival in 2016. He voiced Pumbaa in the French dub of The Lion King (2019) and appeared in Le Dernier Mercenaire (Netflix) with Jean-Claude Van Damme. He presented his first one-man show, Alban Ivanov et les autres , in 2012, followed by Élément perturbateur in 2015. Currently, he is touring with his new show 'Vedette 2.0', and participated in the fourth season of ‘LOL: Qui rit, sort’ on Amazon Prime Video in 2024.

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France

Albert Algoud

Albert Algoud, born on March 23, 1950, in Asnières-sur-Seine, is a French humorist with a diverse and lengthy career. He comes from a family of writers; his father was François-Marie Algoud, and he is the grandson of another Albert Algoud, both authors. Before finding prominence in comedy, Algoud worked as a French teacher from 1976 to 1988, teaching in Haute-Savoie, La Roche-sur-Foron, and Poissy. His early life involved brief periods of political engagement, including involvement with the Action Française and later, the Gauche prolétarienne, though he left due to ideological disagreements. Algoud’s comedic journey began in radio, initially with "Contrebande" in Annecy around 1970. He gained wider recognition through his work on Canal+ programs like Nulle Part Ailleurs and Karl Zéro , where he played the character of Pintimbert alongside Karl Zéro. He also contributed to the writing of sketches for Nulle Part Ailleurs with Antoine de Caunes and Laurent Chalumeau. Between 1989 and 1990, Antoine de Caunes, Karl Zéro, and he shared hosting duties for a comedic radio program broadcast on RFM. His humor is described as absurd and erudite, blending satire and cultural references, and he is known for his imitations of political figures like Hu Jintao, Vladimir Putin, and Osama bin Laden. He also co-created the news pastiche Zérorama with Christophe Bertin in 1994, and appeared in Karl Zéro’s satirical news program, Le Vrai Journal de Karl Zéro . Algoud's career continues to evolve. From 1999 to 2002, he hosted the cultural magazine La partie continue on France Inter. He has written numerous books, particularly focusing on the world of Tintin, including a dictionary of Captain Haddock's curses and an unauthorized biography of Madame Castafiore. In 2023, he published Le Prof qui a sauvé sa vie , an autobiographical comic strip. Currently, he appears as 'Père Albert' on France Inter’s Le Fou du roi and À rebrousse poil , and has been a columnist on La Bande originale since 2015. His son Boni was diagnosed with autism approximately 27 years prior to the present time, a topic Algoud discusses publicly. He remains a prolific author, having written around ten books dedicated to Tintin, including Le dictionnaire amoureux de Tintin , praising La Roche-sur-Foron.

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France

Albert Meslay

Albert Meslay is a French humorist, born on May 9, 1956. Before dedicating himself to comedy, Meslay worked as a programmer analyst and systems analyst, finding the latter unfulfilling. He studied Economics and began performing at small venues and bistros in Brittany. Meslay's comedic style is characterized by absurdity, wordplay, and illogical reasoning. His humor combines puns, imitations of figures such as Émile Zola, Gandhi, Jean Moulin, Pliny the Elder, and Christophe Colomb’s banker, and a general sense of the absurd. He is often considered a pataphysician and a specialist in pataphysics. He moved to Paris in 1996, after leaving his job in 1993. He performed at venues like Point Virgule, Café de la Gare, and Théâtre Trévise. In 1995, he won the Devos d'Or award at the Festival de Monnaie, presented by Raymond Devos. Throughout his career, Meslay has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including Stéphane Bern's 'Le fou du roi' on France Inter from 2001 to 2003, Patrick Sébastien’s “Etonnant et Drôle” in 1996, Michel Drucker's "Faites la fête" from 1997 to 1998, and Laurence Boccolini’s “Rien à voir” between 1999 and 2000. Numerous television programs are the product of his creativity, notably 'L'Albertmondialiste,' 'Albert Meslay au Point-Virgule,' 'Je pense, mais je ne me comprends pas,' 'Je délocalise,' and 'La joyeuse histoire du monde.' He has also published 'La Cosmochérette' in 2000, with a revised edition appearing in 1980. Meslay is a member of the Académie Alphonse-Allais and appeared in the TV series "C'est la crise" in 2013 and the film 'Salauds de pauvres' in 2019. He continues to tour, with his most recent show 'Je n’aime pas rire, ça me rappelle le boulot,' created in 2023, still performing in 2026.

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France

Alex Lutz

Born on August 25, 1978 in Strasbourg, Lower Rhine, Alex Lutz works in France as an actor, humorist, director, dramatic author, novelist and director.

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France

Alex Métayer

Alex Métayer, born Alexandre Marcel Jacques Métayer on March 19, 1930, in Berre-l'Étang, was a French humorist. His parents moved the family to Algeria in 1936, where he spent his formative years until returning to France in 1945 after World War II. He demonstrated musical ability early on, earning a first prize for clarinet playing and working as a musician before pursuing other roles like animator, village chief, and entertainment manager at Club Med. Métayer began his career in the early 1960s performing in cabarets, and gained significant exposure opening for Georges Brassens at Bobino in 1964. He continued to build his reputation, participating in the radio show 'L'Oreille en coin' from 1966 to 1968 and performing at various prestigious theaters including the Théâtre de la Ville, Olympia, and Casino de Paris. His comedy style involved wearing a white suit on stage and observing everyday people, often incorporating a 'pied-noir' accent from his time in Algeria. He also presented shows at Bobino, including ‘Les femmes et les enfants d’abord’ in 1983. Throughout his career, Métayer created numerous one-man shows, beginning with 'Mémoire d'un amnésique' in 1975 and followed by titles like 'Nous on s'aime,' 'La Vie en VO,' and 'Merci disco.' He directed three films: 'La Vie des seins' (1973), 'Le bonheur se porte large' (1988), and 'Mohamed Bertrand-Duval' (1991). In 1993, his show 'L'Opéra comique' earned him the Grand Prix de l'humour from the Sacem and a nomination for best humorist at the Victoires de la musique. His final show, 'Alex perd la tête,' presented in 2000 at the Théâtre du Palais Royal, featured a professorial tone and reflected on people's attitudes. Alex Métayer died on February 21, 2004, in Levallois-Perret from cancer, and is buried in the Montparnasse Cemetery; a street in Berre-l’Étang bears his name.

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France

Alexandre Astier

Alexandre Astier is a multifaceted French artist, born on June 16, 1974, in Lyon. A versatile individual, he undertakes roles as a humorist, scriptwriter, composer, director, editor, writer, and also an actor. His parents, Lionnel Astier and Joëlle Sevilla, are also actors and producers, contributing to his early exposure to the performing arts. Alexandre Astier’s family background includes paternal origins from the Gévaudan region and maternal ancestry of Italian-Spanish descent, and he is the half-brother of actor Simon Astier. Astier's artistic journey began with formal musical training; he studied music at the Lyon Conservatory starting at age six, focusing on the double bass, orchestration, and choirs, and later attended the American School of Modern Music in Paris in 1989. He also pursued studies in acting and screenwriting. His early work includes writing and performing in plays like 'Le Jour du froment' and 'Nous crions grâce,' and co-writing, acting in, and composing music for short films such as Soyons sport and Un soupçon fondé sur quelque chose de gras in 2001. The short film Dies Irae , directed by him in 2002, served as a foundational draft for his most recognized creation, Kaamelott . He is primarily known for Kaamelott , a television series he created, directed, wrote, edited, composed, and starred in from 2005 to 2009, initially airing on M6. Four of his seven children have appeared in the show. Astier has also had roles in films like Hey Good Looking! (2006), Asterix at the Olympic Games (2006), LOL (2009), and All Three of Us (2015). He directed David et Madame Hansen (2012) and co-directed animated films Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods (2014) and Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion (2018). He has also performed in humorous shows such as Que ma joie demeure! (2012) and L'Exoconférence (2014). Currently, he is adapting Kaamelott into a trilogy of films, with the first film, Kaamelott: Premier Volet , released in 2021. He also plans to publish a series of graphic novels, Kaamelott Résistance , to bridge the gap between the television series and the upcoming films, and filming for this project began in January 2019. Alexandre Astier owns a castle in Ardèche where he stores his musical instruments.

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France

Alma Brami

Alma Brami is a French writer, recognized for her work as both a novelist and playwright. She first gained recognition in 2008 with the publication of 'Sans elle,' a novel that garnered numerous awards. Following this initial success, she continued to publish novels including 'Ils l’ont laissée là' in 2009 and 'Tant que tu es heureuse' in 2010. These first three novels were translated and published in China in September 2011, broadening her readership internationally. She further expanded her literary output with 'C’est pour ton bien' in 2012 and 'Lolo' in January 2013, as well as 'J’aurais dû apporter des fleurs' in both 2014 and 2016. Brami’s creative endeavors extend beyond novels. In 2011, she published her first children's book, 'Moi, j’aime pas comme je suis.' She also wrote the monologue 'Mardi c'est le jour du poulet' for the 'Le Paris des femmes' festival in 2016, which was subsequently rewritten as 'L’Ombre' later that same year. Her recent work includes the novel 'Ils sont moi, je suis eux,' released in 2023. Furthermore, Brami is a writer for films and co-wrote the screenplay for 'A Dangerous Game' with Karine Silla. This drama, centered on a couple and their guest, is produced by Thelma Films and scheduled for release in France on January 20, 2027, under the title 'Un jeu dangereux,' with a planned film adaptation of her novel 'Qui ne dit mot consent'. Brami’s writing also encompasses children's literature with 'Je ne veux plus être un loup' (I don't want to be a wolf), aimed at children aged 3 and up. This book, illustrated by Aurélie Grand, addresses prejudice and stereotypes against animals through a story where various animals—including a wolf, pig, goat, snail, earthworm, crocodile, bear, and mouse—rebel against their negative reputations and organize a party to care for each other. The book is described as an ode to freedom and brotherhood, encouraging readers to break free and be themselves. Since 2024, she has been conducting interviews under the series 'Alma invite,' continuing her engagement with audiences and fellow creatives.

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Curnonsky

Maurice Edmond Sailland, known professionally as Curnonsky and nicknamed 'Cur', was born on October 12, 1872, in Angers, France. His mother, Blanche Alphonsine Mazeran, died shortly after his birth, and his father, Edmond Georges Sailland, abandoned him. He was subsequently raised by his grandmother in Angers, attending Collège Saint-Maurille. At approximately 18 years old, he relocated to Paris with the goal of pursuing a journalism career and attending the École normale supérieure. Curnonsky began writing for various publications, including La Vie parisienne, Le Music-Hall illustré du matin, and Comœdia. He worked as a literary assistant for Willy in 1895 and co-authored novels with Paul-Jean Toulet. Alphonse Allais suggested the pseudonym 'Curnonsky,' which he adopted. Curnonsky's writing encompassed diverse areas, including advertising copy for companies like Pyrex and Michelin, and he is considered by some to have almost invented ghostwriting. He wrote or ghost-wrote many books and newspaper columns, and was a humorist and music hall critic. Curnonsky’s contributions to the culinary world were significant. The name Bibendum for the Michelin Man was created by him in 1907, and beginning in November of that year, he authored the weekly 'Les Lundis de Michelin' column for Michelin. He was elected ‘Prince of Gastronomes’ in 1927 by a plebiscite of approximately 3000 chefs. From 1921 to 1928, he co-authored 28 volumes of 'La France Gastronomique' with Marcel Rouff, totaling 3,000 pages and over 5,000 recipes. He also founded the Académie des gastronomes in 1928, serving as its first president until 1949, and launched Cuisine et Vins de France in 1947. Curnonsky died on July 22, 1956, in Paris at the age of 83, leaving behind a substantial body of work that cemented his reputation as the ‘Prince of Gastronomy’.

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France

Jean-Guy Fechner

Jean-Guy Fechner, born on March 2, 1947, in Agen, France, is a multifaceted entertainer. He identifies as an actor, humorist, composer, drummer, and producer. His family includes his brother, Christian Fechner, who is also a producer, and his son, Sébastien Fechner, who shares the same profession. At 79 years old, he is approaching his 80th birthday on March 2nd. Fechner’s career began in June 1966 when he joined the musical group Les Charlots, originally known as Les Problèmes. He replaced Donald Rieubon as the drummer and remained a member until June 1976. During this time, Les Charlots gained recognition through parodies of suggestive songs and achieved significant success in film, including appearances in La Grande Java , Les Bidasses en folie , and Le Grand Bazar . The group underwent several name changes before settling on Les Charlots. Notably, Les Problèmes opened for The Rolling Stones in 1966. He left the group after filming Bons baisers de Hong Kong . Following his departure from Les Charlots, Fechner worked at Studios Fechner with his brother. His filmography includes appearances in approximately ten films between 1970 and 1975, as well as cameo roles in later productions like Trop c'est trop and Au bistro du coin . He also starred in films such as Fools Run Amok in Spain (1972) and The Cardboard Box (2004). Fechner composed music for several films, including Les fous du stade , Les Charlots font l'Espagne , and Bons baisers de Hong Kong . He supervised the advertising campaign for Les Bronzés 3 . In 1975, he served as both an actor and music producer for Best Kisses from Hong Kong . He participated in the 2013 documentary Les Charlots Intime and reunited with Les Charlots in May 2016 to celebrate their 50th anniversary, performing live after a hiatus of nearly 40 years. He rejoined Les Charlots in 2014 and remains a member. Fechner’s career spanned 43 years, encompassing appearances in television series and films. He appeared on Vivement dimanche with Les Charlots in 2008 and became a member of 'Les Grosses Têtes' in 2013. He participated in a senior musical cruise to Spain in 2014 and published the book Définitivement Charlots in 2012. He appeared in the play Les Vieux fourneaux in 2022. Fechner experienced an AVC (stroke) in 2022. Currently, he is leading a quiet life away from the cameras.

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Jean-Hugues Lime

Jean-Hugues Lime, born 2 8 December 1958 in Montferleil, is a French actor who took his first steps at the Théâtre de Bouvard; He also works as a director and writer.

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France

Jean-Jacques Peroni

Jean-Jacques Peroni is a French humorist, born on February 21, 1953, though some databases claim he was born in 1955. He grew up in Paris and attended lycée Voltaire in the 11th arrondissement. His father, Victor Peroni, was a sports journalist who worked for publications such as L'Equipe, France Football, and Football magazine. Peroni began his career writing plays at café-théâtres in the 1970s, sometimes alongside Jean-Paul Sèvres and other humorists like Jean-Hugues Lime. He is married and has a son named Jules. Peroni’s comedy style involves puns and wordplay, often described as having a sharp tongue and rosy thinking. He wrote and performed plays including 'Couple moi l'souffle' (1979), 'Les blaireaux sont fatigués' (1982), and 'J'aurais pu être votre fils' (1982). From 1982, he participated in the television show 'Le Théâtre de Bouvard'. He also contributed to magazines like Hara-Kiri and La Grosse Bertha. He is often referred to as Peroni. His writing is described as acerbic but funny, and he doesn't spare anyone – women, artists, politicians, or taboo subjects. A significant portion of Peroni’s recent career has been centered around his collaborations with Laurent Gerra. They co-hosted 'En route vers l'an débile' on Europe 1, and later 'Le Grand Juron' and 'Un doigt dans l'actu' on RTL starting in 2007. They created Laurent Gerra’s first one-man show in 1999 and continued to collaborate on subsequent shows. He authored three CDs performed by Laurent Gerra: 'Ma cabane au fond du jardin' single and the compilations 'RTL Élections matinales' and 'Élections matinales volume 2'. Peroni was a regular participant in the radio show 'Les Grosses Têtes' from May 1998 to April 2021, winning Le Grand Concours des Grosses Têtes four times (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008). In March 2021, he publicly criticized 'Les Grosses Têtes' and Laurent Ruquier, leading to his departure after 22 years. He has authored several books including 'Les Carnets d'un malfaisant' (2004) and 'Remettez-nous ça' (2008).

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Muriel Robin

Muriel Robin is a French humorist, actress, director, and stage director born on August 2, 1955, in Montbrison (Loire). Her parents, Antoine Robin and Aimée Marie Joséphine Rimbaud, were shoe merchants. She was the youngest of three daughters, with two sisters, Nydia and Martine. After struggling with school and failing her baccalaureate twice, she worked selling shoes in her family's store from 1975 to 1976. In 1977, she moved to Paris to study acting at the Cours Florent, and was subsequently accepted into the Conservatoire national supérieur d'art dramatique de Paris, graduating in 1980 with honors. She briefly returned to selling shoes in Saint-Étienne after graduating from the conservatory. Her career gained momentum when she joined Roger Louret’s theatre company, Les Baladins en Agenais, in Monclar in 1981, where she met Elie Semoun and Annie Grégorio. Muriel Robin's comedy style has involved collaborations with Pierre Palmade, whom she considered her male alter ego. She co-wrote and performed in 'Maman ou Donne-moi ton linge, je fais une machine' in 1987, and gained wider public recognition through the television program 'La Classe' towards the end of the 1980s. Her first one-woman show, 'Les majorettes se cachent pour mourir,' premiered in 1988, directed by Roger Louret. She appeared in plays such as 'Tout m’Enerve', 'Bedos-Robin', 'Feu la Ma La Mère', and 'On purge Bébé' during the 1990s, and starred in films like 'Les Visiteurs 2' in 1997. In 2007, she won an International Emmy Award for her role in the television film "Marie Besnard, l'empoisonneuse." She has been involved with 'La Chaine de l’Espoir' starting in 2001 and supported concerts by the Enfoirés from 1992 to 2007. She is currently preparing a new show that blends surreal fantasy with sensitive poetry, aiming to 're-enchant' life.

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