Tchéky Karyo (pronounced IPA /ʧeki kɑrjo/; born October 4, 1953) is a French actor.
He was born in Istanbul, Turkey (as Çeki Karyo), son of a Sephardic-Jewish father and a Greek mother, and grew up in Paris, France. He studied drama at the Cyrano Theatre and later became a member of the Daniel Sorano Company, playing many classical roles. After that, he joined the National Theatre of Strasbourg, starring in both contemporary and classical plays.
He has participated in many Hollywood movies, often portraying a French character, in the same fashion as Jean Reno.
He was nominated for a César Award for Best Actor for his role in La Balance, and received the Jean Gabin Prize in 1986 in recognition of his talent.
He is married to Isabelle Pasco.
