Who Is Benjamin Lavernhe, Committed Actor and Unmissable Face of French Cinema?

Benjamin Lavernhe at the 2023 César Awards, shining on the red carpet before the ceremony

Benjamin Lavernhe, an emblematic member of the Comédie-Française, is today an essential figure in French cinema. A renowned actor, he stands out for his sincere commitment. Moreover, he is involved in contemporary debates. Notably, those shaking the cultural world are important. For example, he addresses sexual violence in the film industry. Invited by France Inter on April 8, 2025, Lavernhe speaks with clarity and gravity, stating that these poignant testimonies "chill our blood." Through this strong statement, the actor shows his determination not to look away from these abuses.

For the needs of an unconventional photo shoot, Lavernhe swapped the stage for an old mechanic's workshop. An ironic nod to his roles as a worker in — For the needs of an unconventional photo shoot, Lavernhe swapped the stage for an old mechanic’s workshop. An ironic nod to his roles as a worker in “C’est la vie!”, he jokes: “Even in costume, I remain a craftsman of cinema.”

His current news is marked by the upcoming release of the film Le Mélange des genres, directed by Michel Leclerc. Scheduled for release on April 16, this film directly addresses issues related to contemporary masculinity. For Lavernhe, tackling these subjects through comedy does not mean superficiality. As he himself points out: "Comedy is not a distancing." He also emphasizes the therapeutic role of laughter: "It heals, it cures, it can liberate."

This work takes on particular resonance in the current context. Indeed, it is marked by recent revelations. Moreover, the parliamentary inquiry commission has revealed violence in culture. Prestigious names such as Gérard Depardieu, Jacques Doillon, Benoît Jacquot, and Christophe Ruggia are involved, prompting the entire industry to necessary introspection.

On the set of the film The Mixing of Genres, Benjamin Lavernhe reunites with his co-stars in a scene full of mischief. Behind-the-scenes anecdote: it seems that between takes, the team improvised mini sketches to lighten the mood, with Lavernhe being the first to make everyone laugh with his quirky impressions.

The Abbé Pierre Affair: Disillusionment and Deep Reflection

Among the notable roles of Benjamin Lavernhe, that of Abbé Pierre in L’abbé Pierre: Une vie de combats, directed by Frédéric Tellier at the end of 2023, remains particularly sensitive. Shortly after the film’s release, serious accusations against Abbé Pierre deeply shook French public opinion. Lavernhe then shares his intense turmoil, declaring with emotion: "The sky falls on your head."

At the 2025 César Nominees Dinner, Lavernhe sports a leather jacket, more rock than ever. “You have to break the rules from time to time,” he says mischievously, secretly dreaming of one day acting in a biopic of a rock legend.

With empathy, he highlights the dismay of director Frédéric Tellier, who dedicated five years of his life to this ambitious project. "No one put a hand on his shoulder," the actor sincerely regrets. Moreover, Lavernhe humbly acknowledges a form of collective naivety in the face of these unexpected revelations: "We completely missed a part of this character."

Despite everything, the actor considers this biopic a valuable historical testimony. Indeed, he insists on the importance of documenting social struggles. Furthermore, these struggles were led by Abbé Pierre in favor of the most disadvantaged. This film thus serves as a necessary reminder of human contradictions and historical complexities.

An Actor Trained in Theatrical Excellence

A graduate of the prestigious Conservatoire national supérieur d’art dramatique, Benjamin Lavernhe leads a rigorous and demanding career. He joined the Comédie-Française in 2012 and has been a member since 2019. Moreover, he excels in performing great classical plays. Thus, he consolidates his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.

On the red carpet of the Cannes Festival, Benjamin Lavernhe shines. A delightful anecdote: he almost missed the walk up the steps due to a massive traffic jam in the city. However, a security motorcyclist saved him in the nick of time by escorting him!

The public fully discovers Lavernhe through the successful film Le Sens de la fête (2017), directed by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, which offers him critical and popular recognition as well as a César nomination. Since then, he has explored an impressive variety of roles. For example, he stars in the political thriller De grandes espérances. Moreover, he appears in the historical film Jeanne du Barry, selected at the Cannes Film Festival.

In his private life, Lavernhe cultivates discretion and simplicity. He shares his life with actress Rebecca Marder, whom he met on the stage of the Comédie-Française. Their evident complicity is particularly apparent in De grandes espérances, further enhancing the authenticity of their performances.

Benjamin Lavernhe, a Powerful Voice in Contemporary French Cinema

Today, Benjamin Lavernhe represents an indispensable voice in current French cinema. His artistic choices reveal a deep commitment to strong social themes. Indeed, they brilliantly demonstrate that comedy can be as impactful as drama in provoking reflection.

Through his artistic rigor, prestigious theatrical career, and active engagement with major contemporary issues, Lavernhe embodies a generation of actors aware of their time and responsible to their audience. This subtle alliance of commitment and talent makes him a major figure. Thus, he is essential to understanding the current stakes of French cinema.