Credits: Starus / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0.
Victor-Artus Solaro, aka Artus, today embodies much more than a mere comedian: he is the figurehead of a generation of bold artists, able to break molds and surprise where they’re least expected. His film Un p’tit truc en plus, the cinematic phenomenon of 2024 with 10.8 million admissions, marks a turning point in the career of a man whose story is anything but conventional.
From Humble Beginnings to Conquering the Stage
Born on August 17, 1987 in Le Chesnay, Artus grew up in Lavérune, a Languedoc village where he discovered his taste for show business early on. His childhood was marked by frequent moves, notably to Switzerland, which forged in him a curious, offbeat view of the world. The son of an IT manager and a saleswoman, he initially followed a path far from the spotlight: a vocational high school diploma in cooking, before turning to the dramatic arts. His training at the Cours Florent and with Anne Torrès gave him the tools to carve out a place on stage.
Between 2011 and 2014, his standout appearances on the show On n’demande qu’à en rire skyrocketed his fame. With a sharp pen and a unique ability to juggle derision and tenderness, he won a wide and loyal audience. Yet Artus refused to be boxed in by comedy. He explored theater, television, and above all cinema, proving that his creativity extends far beyond stand-up.
Un p’tit truc en plus: The Gamble Of Disarming Sincerity
In 2024, Artus embarked on a bold venture: his first film as director, Un p’tit truc en plus. This feature, which treats disability with rare subtlety, defies all expectations. Where some saw just another comedy, Artus delivers a poignant, funny, and deeply human work. The film does more than charm: it moves people.
At the heart of this success is a clear artistic vision and a commitment to inclusivity. Artus chose to include actors with disabilities in central roles, giving the film a rare authenticity. “I wanted the screen to reflect real life, with its imperfections, awkward moments, and bursts of laughter,” he says. And audiences agreed: the success was meteoric, both at the box office and in the conversations it sparked.
A Physical And Mental Metamorphosis
The year 2024 also marked a personal turning point for Artus. Long overweight, he decided to take on a challenge that combined health and craft: losing 35 kilograms to play a role in La Pampa, his next film scheduled for 2025. “It wasn’t just about appearance. I wanted to feel aligned with myself, physically and mentally,” he explains in an interview.
After a strict diet and intense physical preparation, Artus reconnected with a renewed energy. “Today, I feel liberated, ready to take on roles that demand everything from me,” he says. This change, as dramatic as it was beneficial, illustrates a determination that runs through his entire career.
Behind The Scenes Of A Success: Anecdotes And Humanity
The shoot for Un p’tit truc en plus is full of unforgettable moments. Actress Marie Colin, who plays a key role, was initially reluctant toward her co-star Alice Belaïdi. But the latter, armed with disarming patience, managed to break the ice with improvised games and shared laughter. Their on-screen chemistry became one of the film’s pillars.
Artus, as a benevolent conductor, constantly adapts his working method. “Directing is about listening. Everyone had to feel they belonged so the magic could happen naturally,” he explains. This care for human relationships is palpable in every frame of the film.
A Rising Asset
If Un p’tit truc en plus represents a major milestone, Artus does not intend to stop there. With La Pampa on the horizon and ideas to spare, he asserts himself as an indispensable figure in French cinema. Far from the caustic stand-up of his early days, he builds a world where comedy rubs shoulders with emotion, where laughter opens doors to essential topics.
Artus embodies a generation of artists for whom commitment, boldness, and sincerity are not empty words. From his first stages to the records of 2024, his journey is an ode to resilience and creativity. And a promise: to keep telling stories that touch the heart, with that little something extra that makes all the difference.