EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Bruno Gouéry

From Paris to Hollywood
The "Emily in Paris" Actor Starring in the Upcoming Film "Modi" with Johnny Depp

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1. Can you tell us about your background in the entertainment industry and how you got into acting?

I grew up in the Paris suburbs with a Norman father who was a chemist and an Italian mother who was an accountant. My large and colorful Italian family was my first source of inspiration and amusement, and it must explain my vocation. My grandfather and uncles were extremely funny. It was through their contact and by observing them that I began my first performances. But in my environment, the theatre and the cinema seemed an inaccessible universe, and therefore not an option. After studying history, I started working for a television channel, but I wasn't really passionate about my work, so I went back to doing my sketches and impersonations in front of my colleagues… One of them insisted that I accompany her on her amateur dramatics course. It was a revelation: this is the job I want to do! So I looked for a professional course, but I couldn't identify with any of the methods or teaching. One evening, I went to see Michel Galabru (a comedy legend in France) perform at the theatre. Stunning as usual. The next day I opened the newspaper and came across an article announcing that Michel Galabru was giving acting lessons and auditioning new students to join his course during the week! I saw it as a sign and I took it. Michel taught me everything I know, he gave me a taste for this profession and for great texts. In fact, it was with him that I made my stage debut. He was a role model, an inspiration, a guide whose advice and experience are still with me today…

2. What attracted you to the role of Luc in "Emily in Paris" and how did you prepare for it?

Even if it was impossible to anticipate at the time of casting the scale of the phenomenon that Emily in Paris would become, the prospect of starring in an American show with an international dimension, and moreover under the artistic direction of Darren Star and alongside Lily Collins, were the primary motivations for me. My preparation for the role was primarily linguistic! I had to improve my English, which was very, very academic, while retaining my natural French accent… Darren and the authors have made Luc a blundering, childlike, endearing, lunatic character who is nonetheless capable of introducing Emily to French culture. My job is to serve the text and the situations, while trying to add my own touch of fantasy and creativity. Before shooting, I work with Déborah Galland, actress and coach, who inspires me in the creation of my roles.

3. How has your character, Luc, developed over the first three seasons, and what can fans expect in season four?

At first, Luc was Emily's benevolent colleague, but their complicity only grew, with Luc becoming a sort of big brother, a guide, despite his many blunders... The audience was able to discover aspects of his private life: the barge where he lives, his tumultuous relationship with Marianne, his taste for cycling, old films, lunches at the Père Lachaise cemetery... Luc has an old-fashioned side that is both refined and quirky. Fans won't be disappointed by this 4th season and will discover some unsuspected passions, sentimental and professional adventures that I hope will amuse the public.

This month, Eclair Magazine brings you an exclusive interview with Bruno Gouery, the charismatic actor behind Luc in the global sensation "Emily in Paris." Gouery delves into his fascinating journey from the Paris suburbs to international stardom, sharing anecdotes from his colorful Italian family that inspired his career in acting.

Discover how Gouery discusses his role in "Emily in Paris," his preparation for playing Luc, and what fans can look forward to in the upcoming fourth season. He also gives us a sneak peek into his exciting new projects, including his role in the Netflix film "Werewolves," set to premiere on October 23, and his collaboration with Johnny Depp in the film "Modi."

Join us in celebrating Bruno Gouery's remarkable career and his contributions to both television and film. Learn more about his experiences working alongside famous American actors and his aspirations for future roles. Don't miss this insightful interview in the August issue of Eclair Magazine!

INTERVIEW

4. "Emily in Paris" has become a worldwide sensation. What impact has taking part in such a successful series had on your career and personal life?

Such success has given me an impressive reputation, and the tourist spots I visit in Paris and abroad remind me of this every time... People are always asking me for selfies, to exchange a few words and smiles. I have to say that their warmth and enthusiasm is gratifying and has enabled me to see just how international a language humour really is! To discover that I am entertaining people from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, Saudi Arabia, or Australia is a surprise, an opportunity, and fills me with joy. And then professionally, it gave me international exposure, which enabled me, among other things, to act in the series "White Lotus" under the direction of Mike White and in the Johnny Depp film which will be released soon…

5. The fourth season will be broadcast in two parts, the first on 15 August and the second on 12 September. Without giving away any spoilers, what can viewers expect from the new season?

If you liked the previous seasons of Emily in Paris, you'll love season 4! All the DNA of the series is back: Fashion, Champagne, and RomCom! A cocktail of new characters, love at first sight, and magical locations that will even take you as far as Rome…

6. As well as "Emily in Paris," you have an exciting project coming up with the film "Werewolves," which will be released on Netflix on 23 October. Can you tell us more about your role in the film?

The film begins with a French family playing the board game 'Loups Garous.' At the end of the game, they travel back in time to 1492... the year Christopher Columbus discovered America! To get back to the present, they'll have to make contact with the villagers of that era... My name is Piero, and I'm an Italian, a bit of an artist, a bit of a weirdo, and still unknown at the time. But that's all changed now... You'll find out why on 23 October on Netflix!

7. You will also be starring in Johnny Depp's film "Modi." Can you tell us about your experience on this project and your role in the film?

It's one of my greatest professional and artistic experiences. I play Maurice Utrillo, a French painter and friend of Modigliani (played by Riccardo Scamarcio). The audience will follow 'Modi' for 3 days and 2 nights in Bohemian Paris of 1916. Utrillo had a very colourful personality. A great alcoholic, he could drink up to 10 liters of wine a day, and it is no longer clear whether he needed to paint in order to drink or whether he drank in order to paint. Flayed, penniless, exuberant, and sensitive, I loved playing this character under the direction of Johnny Depp. I was enthralled by both the man and the artist. I admired the great actor we know, but now I've discovered a director who is as caring as he is inspiring. A generous and funny man, sharing his experiences and the many anecdotes he has gleaned throughout his career, capable of telling you about and imitating Marlon Brando, Keith Richards, Al Pacino, or Terry Gilliam... it was fascinating.

8. How do you manage to juggle several projects at once, and what do you enjoy most about working in both television and film?

Acting for film or television doesn't change anything in my way of working, apart from the fact that, in general, film gives me more time and often allows me to take more shots, reflect, make suggestions, and explore. But I get just as much pleasure out of acting for both.

9. Looking back over the diversity of your career, are there any roles or projects that you find particularly significant or transformative?

I was triggered by roles in the theatre, such as Oronte in Molière's "Le Misanthrope" or Mosca in Ben Jonson's play “Volpone.” My most significant and transformative experiences have often been linked to artistic and human encounters, and confronting certain partners can enrich you and help you evolve. The names that come to mind, in addition to those I've already mentioned, are the actor Thierry Lhermitte, whom I met on the series "Doc Martin"; Sergio Castellito for the film "Il materiale emotivo"; Mike White, Tom Hollander, and Jennifer Coolidge on the series "White Lotus.”

10. What future projects or roles are you most excited about, and what types of characters would you like to explore next?

I dream of working with so many actors, actresses, and directors: Paul Thomas Anderson, Damien Chazelle, Xavier Giannoli, Paolo Sorrentino... I'd love to play historical figures like the disturbing Cesar Borgia or the extravagant Salvador Dali, or perhaps a sort of French Don Quixote or Jack Sparrow! And then I have a project to play an absolutely fascinating historical figure from the 19th century. I've just finished writing a screenplay adapted from a book about him, and I'm looking for a producer.

11. Final question: If you could give one piece of advice to the young man you were, what would it be?

Keep learning and dreaming...

Acteur: Bruno Gouéry
Photographer: Pauline Darley