Cover featuring Samuel Le Bihan

 

Samuel Le Bihan wears a Paul Smith suit with Pierre Hardy shoes.

French actor Samuel Le Bihan has built an impressive career spanning film, television, and theater. Known for his versatility and deep commitment to his craft, he approaches each role with a sense of curiosity and dedication, constantly seeking new challenges that push him beyond his comfort zone. From his early days of taking a leap of faith into acting—despite having no connections or formal background in the industry—to becoming a household name in French cinema, his journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and artistic risk-taking.

Beyond acting, Samuel is a man of many interests. Whether immersing himself in new subjects, working on his countryside home, or exploring the creative world of fashion, he thrives on learning and movement. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights into his artistic process, personal style, and latest projects, offering a glimpse into the mind of an actor who continues to evolve and inspire.

Fashion Editor & Stylist: Victor Concepto
Photographer & Filmmaker: Yang Wang
Hair & Makeup Artist: Sandrine Engel
Location: Hotel Maison Albar - Le Vendome Paris

AM: What initially drew you to acting, and how did your journey begin?
Samuel Le Bihan: I wanted a career that opened me up to the world. I came from a background where we rarely went to the cinema, let alone the theater. I craved a profession that would spark my curiosity, introduce me to new people, places, and cultures, and immerse me in storytelling. I found all of that in acting—it was a revelation. I met a group of young actors working on a play, and they introduced me to the idea of taking theater classes. From that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do.

I wanted to be part of a community that spent sleepless nights creating, dreaming around a single idea—to tell stories, to inspire, and to move people. Whether through film or theater, that became my life’s purpose, and it has been my profession ever since.

Shirt, Paul Smith. Timepiece, Ulysse Nardin.

AM: You’ve had a diverse career in film and television. What guides your choice of roles?
Samuel Le Bihan: My primary criterion is the director because filmmaking is ultimately a collaboration between artists. A great director will push you beyond your limits and challenge you in ways that make you grow. I also seek roles that take me out of my comfort zone—characters that pose challenges, require deep exploration, and spark my imagination. Acting is about stepping into someone else’s life, imagining their experiences, and fully embodying them. I’m drawn to scripts that demand strong emotions, creativity, or risk-taking.

AM: How do you approach character development? Do you have a specific method?
Samuel Le Bihan: I don’t follow a strict method; each role dictates its own approach. Hard work is essential, but how I prepare varies depending on the character. I immerse myself in research—reading, gathering information, and sometimes physically experiencing aspects of the role. If I’m playing a sailor, I’ll go out on the water and learn the mechanics of sailing. I also spend time with the character, living with them in my mind, collecting inspiration from images, notes, and even drawings. It’s a 360-degree process where I absorb everything that might help me bring the character to life.

Shirt, pants and jacket, Paul Smith. Shoes, Pierre Hardy.

AM: How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your career?
Samuel Le Bihan: I’m always searching for balance, but it’s elusive. Acting is a passion-driven profession that demands total commitment. When I’m with my family, I sometimes carry a sense of guilt for not being fully present, and when I’m working, I feel I’m not with them enough. It’s a constant negotiation, but ultimately, life is about embracing these challenges and learning as you go. No one has it all figured out.

AM: Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced and how it shaped you?
Samuel Le Bihan: The biggest challenge was deciding to become an actor. Coming from a modest background, I had no connections, no financial support, and no place to stay in Paris. I took the risk, doing odd jobs to pay for acting classes. The road was tough—I failed my first attempt at getting into the conservatory, but I kept training and trying until I was accepted with a government scholarship. That period was marked by relentless work and determination. Looking back, I sometimes wonder how I found the courage, but I realize now that youth brings a kind of fearless energy. Passion, perseverance, and a bit of naivety were my greatest allies.

Shirt, pants and jacket, Sandro Paris.

AM: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Samuel Le Bihan: I don’t think I’d want him to know what he was about to face. Naivety was my greatest advantage—it allowed me to believe in the impossible and go after my dreams. If I had known how hard it would be, would I have taken the leap? Maybe not. The struggles, the setbacks, the doubts—they all shaped me. In the end, happiness is more profound when you’ve experienced hardship. That’s the beauty of life.

AM: How do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies or passions?
Samuel Le Bihan: I get passionate about all sorts of things. One weekend, I might be absorbed in studying nuclear energy, reading everything I can about it. Another time, I’ll be planting trees at my country house. I love being outdoors, connecting with nature. I also enjoy sports like kitesurfing. My interests evolve depending on where I am and who I meet, but one thing remains constant—I always need to be active, learning, and creating.

Shirt and pants, Paul & Joe. Shoes, Pierre Hardy.

AM: How would you describe your personal style? Does it reflect your on-screen characters?
Samuel Le Bihan: Being an actor means experiencing a stark contrast in wardrobe—one day, you’re in a tuxedo on the red carpet, and the next, you’re crawling through mud on set. In everyday life, I prefer a versatile style that allows me to adapt. I like clothes that provide freedom of movement—functional but stylish. That said, I enjoy dressing up for events like the Cannes Film Festival, where I can collaborate with designers and experiment with fashion. Those moments feel like performances in their own right.

AM: Do you have favorite fashion brands or designers?
Samuel Le Bihan: I love Berluti—not just for their leather and shoes but for their elegant suits. I also admire Ami Paris by Alexandre Mattiussi for its fluid, masculine fabrics that allow for movement. Italian designers, in general, appeal to me because they focus on softness and natural drape rather than rigid structure. I also appreciate brands like Tod’s for their refined craftsmanship, Lacoste for chic sportswear, American Vintage for its cozy, relaxed aesthetic, and Sandro for its understated elegance. Fashion today is incredibly creative, blending influences from different decades with bold colors and cultural contrasts. I love that sense of artistic freedom.
 

Suit, Fursac. Shoes, Pierre Hardy.

AM: What projects are you currently working on?
Samuel Le Bihan: Right now, I’m focused on the series Carpe Diem, which has been airing on TF1. My character’s signature beige suit has become part of his identity, creating an amusing contrast with the intense situations he finds himself in. I’m also transitioning into directing with an episode of Alex Hugo, a series I’ve been part of for years. It’s an exciting challenge to bring my own artistic vision to a character I know so well. I’m looking forward to shaping the atmosphere, music, color, and performance in a way that feels uniquely mine.