Michel Boujenah: A Pillar of French Comedy Prepares for New Stage Chapter

PARIS, 20 January 2026 – For over four decades, Michel Boujenah has been a beloved fixture of French cinema and theatre, known for his poignant humour and exploration of Franco-Tunisian identity. As the actor and humourist prepares to return to the Parisian stage this week in a new production, France Wire looks back at a prolific career that has earned him a César, a Molière, and a permanent place in the hearts of the public.

From Tunis to Paris: The Making of an Artist

Michel Boujenah was born on 3 November 1952 in Tunis, Tunisia, into a Jewish family. He emigrated to France with his parents at the age of 11, settling in Bagneux, a suburb south of Paris. The cultural dislocation marked him profoundly and would later become a central theme in his work. Denied entry to the Strasbourg drama school, he co-founded the theatre troupe La Grande Cuillère in the early 1970s, honing his craft in cafés-théâtres with autobiographical solo shows like Albert and Les Magnifiques, which explored the lives of Tunisian Jewish immigrants.

Cinematic Breakthrough and Directorial Turn

Boujenah’s film career launched in 1980, but his defining moment came in 1985 with Coline Serreau’s smash hit Trois Hommes et un couffin (Three Men and a Cradle). His performance as Michel won him the César Award for Best Supporting Actor. He reprised the role in the 2003 sequel, 18 Ans après. Throughout the 1990s, he starred in notable films such as La Totale ! (1991), Claude Lelouch’s Les Misérables (1995), and Le Nombril du monde (1993), for which he was nominated for the César for Best Actor.

In 2003, he moved behind the camera, writing and directing Père et Fils, which was nominated for the César for Best First Film. He later directed Trois Amis (2007) and Le Cœur en braille (2016). His recent acting credits include roles in Le Petit Blond de la Casbah (2023) and three 2024 releases: Finalement, N’avoue jamais, and 14 Jours pour aller mieux.

The Stage Calls Again for 2026

Never far from the theatre, Boujenah is set to begin a new run at Paris’s Théâtre des Variétés on 23 January 2026. He will star in Toute la famille que j’aime, a comedy by Fabrice Donnio and Sacha Judaszko, directed by Anne Bouvier. The play, which runs until 9 May, continues Boujenah’s long tradition of exploring family dynamics on stage. This follows his successful solo shows Ma vie rêvée and Ma vie encore plus rêvée, and his Molière-winning performance in L’Avare in 2022.

Michel Boujenah: Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Michel Boujenah’s background?

Michel Boujenah is a French-Tunisian Jew who was born in Tunis and moved to France as a child. His cultural heritage and experiences as an immigrant have deeply influenced his comedy and dramatic work.

What was his first major film success?

His role as one of the three bachelors in Coline Serreau’s 1985 comedy Trois Hommes et un couffin was his breakthrough, earning him the César Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Has he worked as a director?

Yes. Boujenah has directed three feature films: Père et Fils (2003), Trois Amis (2007), and Le Cœur en braille (2016).

Is he still active in theatre?

Absolutely. Theatre is a constant in his career. Following a Molière award in 2022, he is starring in a new play, Toute la famille que j’aime, in Paris from January 2026.

Has he been involved in controversy?

In 2017, his planned performance at the Carthage Festival in Tunisia was protested by BDS activists due to his stated Zionist views and support for Israel. The Tunisian Association for the Support of Minorities defended him, calling the protests antisemitic.