François Arnaud (born July 5, 1985) is a Canadian actor known for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater. He rose to international fame for his portrayal of Cesare Borgia in the Showtime series The Borgias, and has since become a familiar face in both mainstream and independent productions.

Early Life

Arnaud was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He was drawn to storytelling and performance from a young age, eventually enrolling in the Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal. He graduated in 2007 and quickly immersed himself in the Quebec theater and television scene.

Career

François Arnaud's acting career spans across various media and genres. His adaptability and emotional range have enabled him to take on complex characters in both period dramas and modern thrillers.

Television

Arnaud made his early television debut in Taxi 0-22 (2009), a Canadian comedy series starring Patrick Huard. He went on to appear in the Quebec drama Yamaska (2009–2012), gaining recognition in French-speaking Canada.

His breakout international role came in 2011 with The Borgias, where he starred as Cesare Borgia, a ruthless and charismatic nobleman. The historical drama, created by Neil Jordan, aired for three seasons and was well-received for its storytelling and performances.

He also had a notable role in the supernatural series Midnight, Texas (2017–2018), playing psychic Manfred Bernardo. Other television credits include:

• UnReal (2018) as Tommy Castelli
• Blindspot (2015) as Oscar
• Schitt's Creek (2017) as Sebastien Raine

Film

Arnaud gained critical acclaim for his role in I Killed My Mother (2009), directed by Xavier Dolan. The film won several awards and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, marking Arnaud as a rising star in Canadian cinema.

He continued building a diverse filmography with roles in both indie and mainstream films. His film work includes:

• Origami (2017) – a sci-fi drama exploring time and memory
• Permission (2017) – a romantic drama featuring Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens
• Jean of the Joneses (2016) – a dramedy about family and identity
• The Girl King (2015) – a historical biopic where he played Count Johan Oxenstierna

Stage Work

Before achieving screen fame, François Arnaud honed his skills on stage. He has appeared in numerous theatrical productions, particularly in Quebec. His background in classical theater contributed to the depth and presence he brings to his screen roles.

Personal Life

Arnaud is bilingual, fluent in both French and English, and has embraced roles in both languages. In November 2020, he publicly came out as bisexual on Instagram, stating that increased LGBTQ+ visibility was one of his motivations. His announcement was met with support and praise for its sincerity and impact on representation.

Awards and Recognition

François Arnaud has received critical acclaim throughout his career. Notable accolades include:

• Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award – Best Supporting Actor in a Canadian Film for Jean of the Joneses
• Praise for his performance in I Killed My Mother, which garnered international recognition and launched his film career

References

1. François Arnaud - Wikipedia
2. François Arnaud – IMDb
3. Variety, Deadline, and CBC News coverage of interviews and career updates