Sami Outalbali is one of the most promising young talents on the French scene. With his natural charm and a depth of interpretation that is his own, he quickly made a name for himself in notable roles. Since his role as Rahim in Sex Education, he has captivated an international audience. Today, he shines once again in the series Culte, broadcast since October 18 on Prime Video. Portrait of an actor on the rise.
First Steps and Revelations on the Small Screen
Born on March 19, 1999, in Poissy, in the Yvelines, Sami Outalbali grew up in a family of Moroccan and Guadeloupean origin. From a young age, he showed an attraction to the world of entertainment. At just 7 years old, he began in the TV movie Il faut sauver Saïd, where he demonstrated a rare maturity for his age. A few years later, he appeared in popular productions like Les Tuche, which offered him his first visibility in cinema.
His first major breakthrough came with the series Les Grands broadcast on OCS, in which he played Ilyes, a teenager discovering his feelings and desires. The series addresses themes of adolescence with an authenticity that resonates with many young people. This performance propelled him to the forefront, attracting the attention of directors and producers.
The Role of Rahim in Sex Education: International Recognition
In 2020, Outalbali joined the cast of the famous Netflix series Sex Education. He played Rahim, a charismatic French student, openly gay, who enters the lives of Moordale high school students with confidence and mystery. This role, where he portrays an openly gay character, is a turning point for him. It offers him worldwide visibility, as well as particular recognition for his boldness and sensitivity in interpreting this role. Rahim falls for Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), although their relationship remains unreciprocated, adding a layer of vulnerability and realism to his character.
His appearance in Sex Education marks a new stage in his career. His character is appreciated for its depth and the sincerity it exudes. This role allows Sami Outalbali to become an emblematic figure of the new generation of French actors on the international scene, and the young actor becomes a familiar face for Netflix fans.
Diversification of Roles and Success in Cinema
Sami Outalbali does not limit himself to series. He also explores varied roles in cinema. In Lola vers la mer, he plays an intense and sensitive role alongside Benoît Magimel. Then, in Une histoire d’amour et de désir by Leyla Bouzid, he portrays Ahmed, a young man torn between his desires and cultural convictions. This film earned him the Valois for Best Actor at the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival in 2021, an award that confirms his talent and ability to embrace complex roles.
In 2022, Outalbali joined the cast of the successful Novembre, directed by Cédric Jimenez, where he acts alongside Jean Dujardin in an intense drama revisiting the Bataclan attacks. This film allows him to demonstrate a new facet of his acting, in a more serious and committed register.
From Sex Education to Culte: A Strong Presence on Platforms
After these notable roles, Sami Outalbali returns with a project close to his heart: Culte, an event series on Prime Video. This show revisits the beginnings of reality TV in France with the arrival of the program Loft Story, broadcast in 2001. Sami plays Karim Chedira, a character inspired by Benoît Chaigneau, a journalist and caster at the time. His character delves into the behind-the-scenes of this television revolution, where the line between reality and fiction blurs.
In an interview, the actor describes his character as an "observer and narrator" of the show, constantly immersed in images, until he loses his bearings between the real and the virtual. His portrayal of Karim once again highlights his ability to embody rich and introspective characters.
A Promising Future for a Confirmed Talent
Sami Outalbali is today one of the most prominent young French actors. At only 25 years old, he boasts an already impressive filmography, with notable roles in successful series and appearances in auteur films. His natural charisma and ability to explore diverse roles make him an actor in constant evolution.
For the public, Outalbali is more than a charming actor. He embodies a generation in search of authenticity and diversity, breaking stereotypes and exploring complex subjects with accuracy. The coming years look bright for him. The public will be able to find him in new projects that will undoubtedly highlight his unique talent.