Interview Conducted

Théo Augier,
A New Chapter

by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

At a defining moment in his career, Théo Augier is stepping into the spotlight with several major projects arriving on screen. From On aboie en silence, where he explores the complex bond between two brothers facing schizophrenia, to Noah Baumbach’s highly anticipated Jay Kelly, alongside George Clooney and Adam Sandler, the French actor continues to embrace diverse and challenging roles.

Following appearances in LOL 2.0 and Nino in the Night, Augier is carving out a path between French and international cinema. His ambition remains simple: to disappear behind his characters and make audiences forget they are watching an actor.

1.⁠ ⁠You have several major projects releasing across film and television. How would you describe this exciting stage of your career?

It feels like a transition. For years, I was building things quietly, taking smaller parts, learning on every set. Now, several projects are coming out at the same time, so people suddenly see a body of work instead of isolated appearances. So, that’s exciting. Most importantly, I’m very happy to be trusted on more demanding roles.

 2.⁠ ⁠This fall, audiences will see you in the leading role of On aboie en silence, directed by Shirley Monsarrat and adapted from Gringe's book Together We Bark in Silence. What attracted you to this project and to its exploration of mental health?

What first drew me in was the relationship between the two brothers. The story is about schizophrenia, but it’s also about love and the fear of losing someone you’re deeply connected to. I also knew Shirley from a previous project, so I trusted her completely to tell it with sensitivity and honesty.

 3.⁠ ⁠Mental health is an important and timely subject. As an actor, what kind of responsibility do you feel when portraying a story that touches on such sensitive themes?

Mental health is a subject I care deeply about, so I felt a great responsibility with this film, especially knowing it came from Gringe and his brother Thibault, who lives with schizophrenia. I met with psychiatrists, read books, listened to podcasts, watched documentaries and interviews. What I learned is that everyone’s experience with schizophrenia is different. My goal was never to play the illness, but to build the person first and understand how it shaped his life.

 4.⁠ ⁠You were also part of Noah Baumbach's Netflix film Jay Kelly, sharing the screen with George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Riley Keough. What was that experience like, and what did you take away from working on such an international production?

It reminded me that great sets and great directors are often surprisingly calm. Everyone is focused on the work. Working with an actor like George Clooney made me realize how much confidence can look like simplicity. You’re just here to do your job to the best of your abilities.

Actor: Théo Augier
Photos credit: India Lange

Interview

5.⁠ ⁠Being the only French actor in Jay Kelly is a remarkable achievement. How did that opportunity come about, and what did it mean to you personally?

Noah Baumbach had been on my dream list for years. When I heard he was looking for a French actor, I knew I had to go for it. Working with him meant a lot. Frances Ha is one of the films that shaped me. It also gave me confidence that I could build an international career. I grew up in Greece, I'm trilingual, and working across cultures has always felt natural.

 6.⁠ ⁠Audiences have also seen you in Lisa Azuelos' LOL 2.0. How did working on that film contribute to your growth as an actor?

It was my first comedy, which was a new challenge. People often say comedy is harder than drama, but I think they're built on the same foundation : truth. Whatever the genre, my job is simply to convince myself that the character I’m playing is real.

 7.⁠ ⁠You recently appeared in Nino in the Night alongside Bilal Hassani and Mara Taquin. What drew you to that project, and what was the atmosphere like on set?

I had read the book before auditioning and immediately fell in love with it. It resonated with me deeply. It's a story about youth, anger, rebellion and the need to find your own place in the world. Everyone was incredibly committed. I lost weight, dyed my hair, got my tongue pierced and lived as Charlie as much as I could. I needed him to feel like a real person.

8.⁠ ⁠Your recent roles span very different genres and productions, from intimate French dramas to international cinema. Do you consciously seek out diverse characters and stories?

I try not to repeat myself. What keeps acting exciting is discovering people who see the world completely differently from me. If I understand a character too quickly, I'm usually less interested in playing them.

 9.⁠ ⁠As your career continues to grow in both France and internationally, what qualities do you look for when choosing your next role?

I look for a great story, a director with a clear point of view and actors I want to work with. Beyond that, it's mostly instinct. Every now and then, a role simply won't let you go.

10.⁠ ⁠Looking ahead, what would you like audiences to discover about you through your upcoming performances, and what are your ambitions for the next chapter of your career?

I'd love people to forget they're watching me. If they only see the character, then I've done my job. That's the kind of actor I hope to become.