Amidou
Biography
Hamidou Benmessaoud, known professionally as Amidou, was a Moroccan-French film, television, and stage actor. Born in Rabat, French Morocco, on August 2, 1935, he moved to Paris at the age of 17 to attend the CNSAD. He made his stage debut in 1968 in Jean Genet's play Les paravents. Amidou was notably associated with director Claude Lelouch, shooting eleven films together, which included Lelouch's film debut Le propre de l'homme in 1960. Amidou's career also included a role in Claude Lelouch's Life Love Death, for which he received the best actor award at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival in 1969, as well as roles in Spaghetti Westerns, American productions, and Moroccan films such as Soleil de printemps directed by Latif Lahlou. Amidou passed away on September 19, 2013, at the age of 78.
Career overview
Hamidou Benmessaoud, best known as Amidou, was a Moroccan-French film, television, and stage actor. Born in Rabat on August 2, 1935, he moved to Paris at the age of 17 to attend the CNSAD. In 1968, he made his stage debut in Jean Genet's play Les paravents. Throughout his career, Amidou was best known for his association with director Claude Lelouch, with whom he shot eleven films, including Lelouch's film debut Le propre de l'homme in 1960.
In 1969, Amidou made his debut in a Moroccan film, starring in Soleil de printemps, which was directed by Latif Lahlou. His extensive career also included roles in Spaghetti Westerns, such as Buddy Goes West, as well as appearances in several American productions.
Amidou received notable recognition for his film performances. In 1969, he was awarded best actor at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival for his role in Life Love Death, directed by Claude Lelouch. Later in his career, he won best actor awards at the Cairo Film Festival for his role in Pursuit by Leila Triquie. Amidou passed away on September 19, 2013, at the age of 78.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
56 titles- Aïcha : Vacances infernales (2012) as M. Bouamaza
- Aïcha : La grande débrouille (2011) as M. Bouamaza
- Aïcha : Job à tout prix (2011) as Mr. Bouamaza
- Comme les 5 doigts de la main (2010) as Lakdar
- Aïcha (2009) as M. Bouamaza
- Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves (2007) as le Khalif
- Ali Baba and the 40 thieves (2007) as Le Caliphe
- Argana (2007) as Hamou
- Heaven's Doors (2006)
- Here and There (2004)
- Une histoire d'amour (2002)
- And Now... Ladies and Gentlemen... (2002) as l'inspecteur de police
- Spy Game (2001) as Sheik's Doctor
- Rules of Engagement (2000) as Dr. Ahmar
- Hideous Kinky (1999) as Sufi Sheikh
- Vivement dimanche (1998) as Self
- Ronin (1998) as Man at Exchange
- Joséphine, Guardian Angel (1997) as Farid
- Soleil (1997) as Mokzar
- Lalla Hobby (1996)
- Unveiled (1994) as Det. Brahms
- Hot Chocolate (1992) as Beauregard
- The Big Pardon 2 (1992) as Si Ali
- The Beautiful Story (1992) as Le berger
- There Were Days... and Moons (1990) as Le motard au radar
- Brothers in Arms (1989) as Le Kabyle
- The Passenger (1987)
- Bitter Champagne (1986) as Slim
- Farewell Fred (1985) as Poupée
- The Night Wears Suspenders (1985)
- Les p’tites têtes (1982) as Prince Douzami
- Escape to Victory (1981) as André
- Buddy Goes West (1981) as Girolamo / Eagle Eye
- Les Avocats du Diable (1981) as Leader of the FLN
- Sorcerer (1977) as Kassem / 'Martinez'
- Rosebud (1975) as Kirkbane
- The Punishment (1973) as Raymond
- Man in the Trunk (1973) as Abdul
- 3000 Million Without an Elevator (1972) as José
- Smic, Smac, Smoc (1971) as Robert 'Smoc'
- Touch and Go (1971) as Ali
- The Crook (1970) as Bill
- Countdown to Vengeance (1970) as Macias
- Life Love Death (1969) as François Toledo
- Soleil de Printemps (1969)
- The Girl Across the Way (1968) as Womanizer
- Heartbeat (1968) as Etienne
- Live for Life (1967) as photographe
- Sorrel Flower (1967) as Francis, le porte-flingue d'Albert Roza
- Brigade Anti Gangs (1966) as 'Nez Cassé'
- Les grands moments (1966) as Roger Amy
- To Be a Crook (1965) as Amidou
- La parole est au témoin (1963) as (voice)
- Thé a la menthe (1962)
- Flore et Blancheflore (1961) as L'aubergiste
- The Right of Man (1961)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Amidou best known for?
Amidou is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Fort Yuma Gold (1966), Spy Game (2001), Rules of Engagement (2000), Hideous Kinky (1999).
When and where was Amidou born?
Amidou was born on August 2, 1935 in Rabat, Morocco. They passed away on September 19, 2013.
How many credits does Amidou have?
Amidou has accumulated over 56 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 2012.
What is Amidou's background in cinema and television?
Hamidou Benmessaoud, known professionally as Amidou, was a Moroccan-French film, television, and stage actor. Born in Rabat, French Morocco, on August 2, 1935, he moved to Paris at the age of 17 to attend the CNSAD. He made his stage debut in 1968 in Jean Genet's play Les paravents. Amidou was notably associated with d...
Amidou by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Sorcerer (1977) as Kassem / 'Martinez' — aged about 41
- The Crook (1970) as Bill — aged about 34
- Ronin (1998) as Man at Exchange — aged about 62
- Spy Game (2001) as Sheik's Doctor — aged about 65
- Escape to Victory (1981) as André — aged about 45
- Rules of Engagement (2000) as Dr. Ahmar — aged about 64
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