Guillaume Labbé: From the Rugby Pitch to French Television Stardom
PARIS, 02 February 2026 – Guillaume Labbé has successfully navigated one of the most difficult transitions in the French entertainment industry, moving from a professional sporting career to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on national television.
A Sporting Foundation
Before his ascent in the acting world, Labbé was a dedicated athlete. He played professional rugby as a full-back, most notably representing Stade Français. His time in the sport provided a disciplined foundation that he frequently cites as a key influence on his professional work ethic. After retiring from the pitch, he pursued formal training at the Cours Florent in Paris and later in New York, refining a craft that would eventually lead him to leading roles in major French productions.
Breakthrough and Television Success
Labbé gained significant traction with his performance in the Netflix series Plan Cœur (The Hook Up Plan), where he showcased his range in contemporary comedy-drama. However, it was his role as the lead in the France 2 series L’École de la vie that solidified his status as a dramatic heavyweight. In the series, he portrayed a history-geography teacher dealing with personal tragedy, a performance that resonated deeply with French audiences.
His versatility is further evidenced by his involvement in Je te promets, the French adaptation of the American hit This Is Us. Playing the role of Michaël (the counterpart to Kevin Pearson), Labbé brought a specific French sensibility to the character’s struggles with fame and family dynamics.
Key Career Milestones
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Professional Club | Stade Français (Rugby) |
| Notable TV Series | Plan Cœur, L’École de la vie, Je te promets |
| Training | Cours Florent (Paris), HB Studio (New York) |
| Primary Genre | Drama / Contemporary Comedy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Guillaume Labbé play rugby professionally?
Yes, Guillaume Labbé was a professional rugby player for Stade Français before deciding to end his sporting career to pursue acting in his late twenties.
What is Guillaume Labbé’s most famous role?
He is widely recognised for his role as Maxime in the Netflix series Plan Cœur and for his leading role as the teacher Vincent Picard in L’École de la vie.
Where did Guillaume Labbé study acting?
He studied at the prestigious Cours Florent in Paris and spent time in the United States training at the HB Studio in New York City to broaden his acting techniques.