Kad Merad

Biography

Kad Merad, a celebrated French-Algerian actor and filmmaker, was born on March 27, 1964, in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria, to an Algerian father and a French mother. His early years were filled with musical pursuits, as he played drums and sang in various rock bands. This passion for performance led him to work as an entertainer at Club Med, where he joined the Gigolo Brothers.

In 1990, Merad's career took a pivotal turn when he began working at Ouï FM, a Parisian rock station, where he connected with Olivier Baroux. The duo, known as Kad & Olivier, created a comedic sensation with their show, Rock'n Roll Circus, featuring iconic sketches like Pamela Rose and Teddy Porc Fidèle. Their success on radio paved the way for a television debut through Jean-Luc Delarue, and in 1999, they launched La Grosse Emission on Comédie+, further solidifying their comedic legacy.

Merad's film career began to flourish with supporting roles, but it was in 2003 that he achieved significant recognition with the box-office hit Mais Qui a tué Pamela Rose?, co-written with Baroux. His role in the 2007 drama Je vais Bien, ne t'en fais pas! earned him the César Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The same year, he became a member of the Les Enfoirés music troupe and was named the Godfather of the Telethon. His role as Philippe Abrams in the blockbuster Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis in 2008 marked a watershed moment, as the film became the highest-grossing film in French history, attracting over 21 million viewers.