Adèle Exarchopoulos, at just 30 years old, is already a staple of French cinema. With a Palme d’Or and a César under her belt, one might think she has already seen enough for three lifetimes. But behind her intense gaze and memorable roles, Adèle is above all a simple young woman, attached to her loved ones and a life away from the spotlight once the curtain falls. Invited on October 6, 2024, to the TF1 show Sept à Huit, she candidly shared about her life as a mother and her personal balance. And spoiler: yes, she is normal. But really.
A fulfilled (and a bit overwhelmed) young mom
At 23 years old, Adèle Exarchopoulos became a mother for the first time by welcoming her son Ismaël, born from her relationship with the rapper Doums. A desired and prepared-for motherhood – well, as much as one can prepare for such a whirlwind! "I felt ready because I wanted it so much," she confides with a smile that speaks volumes about the adventure she embarked on. It seems the film set was the perfect playground to embrace this new role.
Today, seven years after this "premiere" that even Hollywood would struggle to script, Adèle juggles her career and her role as a mother with an agility that commands respect. "I feel like we’re never really ready for the dizzying responsibility of someone’s life," she admits. One can easily imagine that between a red carpet at Cannes and a battle to put on Ismaël’s pajamas, the vertigo is very real.
Ismaël’s mom: action, imagination, and… battles
If Adèle Exarchopoulos impresses on the big screen, at home, it’s Ismaël who leads the dance. She confesses, not without humor, to having become "a slave to his imagination" – and what an imagination! Recently, her son ordered her to simulate an epic battle for nearly an hour. You can picture her there, valiantly holding a plastic sword, with all the dramatic commitment she’s known for. "Like all moms, I just want my son to be happy," she says, her eyes sparkling with tenderness, probably still haunted by that legendary duel.
The bond between them is palpable. Adèle admits to being the type to collect all the drawings and little treasures her son gives her. One of them, a piece of art accompanied by an adorable "I love you more than anything in the world," proudly sits in a frame today. One can only smile at the thought that this great actress keeps these touching memories with as much care as if each of Ismaël’s drawings had the same value as a Cannes festival trophy.
A career at full speed
But make no mistake: even with a plastic sword in hand, Adèle Exarchopoulos has never put her career on hold. Currently starring in L’Amour ouf, directed by Gilles Lellouche, she shares the screen this time with her partner, François Civil. A romantic and professional collaboration that seems to work wonderfully, as their love story began on set. It just goes to show, sometimes love is written in multiple takes.
Since her dazzling debut in La Vie d’Adèle by Abdellatif Kechiche, Adèle has taken on projects with prestigious directors such as Pierre Godeau or Cédric Jimenez. At only 30 years old, she already has more than 30 films to her credit. An impressive track record for an actress who, despite everything, remains as simple as she is talented. An actress who plays with rare intensity, capable of moving from the most dramatic roles to imaginary battle scenes at home. A true all-terrain artist, in short!
An unbreakable friendship
While Adèle Exarchopoulos can shine under the spotlight, her human relationships are what matter most to her. Friendship holds a central place in her life. Leïla Bekhti, her lifelong accomplice, is not just a friend, she is "family." A precious bond that, through laughter and confidences, shows that at heart, the best scene in life is the one where you are surrounded by those you love.
For Adèle, friendship is also a commitment. She wishes to be the best friend possible for her son, her lover, and her close ones. "There’s no point in not being yourself with a friend," she asserts. One imagines that even after a long day of filming, she still finds the time to be there for her friends, proving that authenticity is second nature to her.
A life in all simplicity
Adèle is a star, certainly, but a star who has never lost her footing. Her parents, her son, her friends: they are her anchor. It is with them that she finds her balance, far from the glitz and glamour of fame. Of course, the demands are numerous, but she knows how to remain faithful to this simple, almost ordinary life that she cherishes above all.
In short, if Adèle Exarchopoulos’s career is impressive, her personal life is just as much. A fulfilled young mom, a talented actress, and a loyal friend, she juggles these roles with disconcerting ease. Whether in L’Amour ouf or in her everyday life, Adèle Exarchopoulos is a woman who embraces extremes while remaining perfectly balanced. A true quiet strength, one might say.
