Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1953,
raised in Paris, Karyo studied drama
at the Cyrano Theater before moving on
to essay numerous classical stage roles
at the Daniel Sorano Company. Upon joining
the National Theater of Strasbourg,
Karyo refined his versatility through
alternating between contemporary fare
and such classical Shakespearian works as
Macbeth and Othello.
Soon becoming one of France's most
popular actors, Karyo, with
over 50 film and television credits
to his name, found that his popularity
wasn't limited by international borders
through roles in such films as The
Return of Martin Guerre (1982),
The Bear (1988), and director Luc Besson's
influential La Femme Nikita (1990).
Fans of historical film may recognize
Karyo from his roles as Vincent Van Gogh
(Vincent and Me) and famed prophet Nostradamus
(Nostradamas) in addition to roles in such
historical films as 1492: Conquest of Paradise
(1992) and The Patriot (2000).
Becoming a familiar face to American
filmgoers in the 1990s, Karyo could
play everything from low-key and
comically philosophical (Addicted to
Love [1997]) to an over-the-top bad
guy (Bad Boys [1995]) to a Russian
Defense Minister (GoldenEye [1995]) with
equal conviction no matter how large,
small, or varied the role may be.
After a turn as a loose-hinged policeman
in Dobermann (1997), Karyo appeared
frequently in such English-language films
as Wing Commander (1999), Messanger:
The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) (
re-teaming the actor with Nikita helmer
Besson), Saving Grace (2000),
and Kiss of the Dragon (2001). In addition
to his nomination for a Cesar for his
role in La Balance (1982), Karyo was the
recipient of the Jean Gabin Prize in
recognition of his talent in 1986.