Mathilde Seigner

Mathilde Seigner Biography

Mathilde Seigner is a renowned French actress best known for her dynamic roles in French cinema, notably in films such as "With a Friend Like Harry," "Alias Betty," and "The Girl from Paris." She gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim from the late 1990s, including multiple César Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Her career spans drama and comedy, making her one of the well-regarded actresses of her generation in France.

Childhood

Mathilde Seigner was born on January 17, 1968, in Paris, France. She comes from a distinguished family deeply rooted in the arts, being the granddaughter of actor Louis Seigner, who was highly respected in France. She is the sister of actress Emmanuelle Seigner and singer Marie-Amélie Seigner, growing up in an environment that nurtured artistic talents.

Education

Seigner pursued formal training in acting at the prestigious Cours Florent in Paris, a renowned drama school famous for producing celebrated French actors such as Isabelle Adjani and Sophie Marceau. Her education there laid the foundation for her versatile acting skills, which she later showcased on stage and in film beginning in the mid-1990s.

Career

Mathilde Seigner's professional acting career began in 1994 with small roles, including her debut in "Smile" alongside her sister Emmanuelle. She quickly gained recognition with her performance in the film "Rosine," which earned her the Prix Michel Simon in 1995. She received three César Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in "Dry Cleaning" (1997), "The Venus Beauty Institute" (1999), and "With a Friend Like Harry" (2000). Beyond critical acclaim, she achieved commercial success with films like "Camping" (2006) and its sequel "Camping 2" (2010), while also excelling in various dramatic and comedic roles. Throughout her career, she has been known for her spontaneity and strong character portrayal.

Family Life

Mathilde Seigner's personal life includes significant relationships with notable figures in the entertainment industry. From 1998 to 2001, she was involved with comedian Laurent Gerra, followed by a relationship with actor Antoine Duléry from 2002 to 2005. Since 2006, she has been with Mathieu Petit, a cameraman, with whom she has a son. She is also the sister-in-law of the famous director Roman Polanski, who married her sister Emmanuelle Seigner in 1989.

Achievements

Seigner has won several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Prix Michel Simon for Best Actress in 1995, the Romy Schneider Prize in 1999, and Best Actress at the Montreal World Film Festival in 2001 for her role in "Alias Betty." She has been nominated multiple times for the César Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2025, she was elevated to the rank of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her contributions to French cinema and culture.

Controversies

Mathilde Seigner has been involved in some public controversies. Notably, in 2009, she signed a petition supporting her brother-in-law Roman Polanski following his arrest related to a past criminal case. Additionally, in recent years, her sister Marie-Amélie Seigner publicly accused her of physical and psychological violence, which sparked media attention and family tensions. These controversies have somewhat overshadowed parts of her public image but have not diminished her standing as a prominent French actress.

Mathilde Seigner Summary

Mathilde Seigner stands out as a talented and versatile French actress with a rich family heritage in the arts. Educated at a top drama school, she has delivered memorable performances across a variety of films, earning critical acclaim as well as popular success. Her personal life and family relations have also been subjects of public interest, and despite controversies, her achievements and contributions to French cinema remain significant. She continues to be active in the film industry and respected for her craft.