Origins & Early Life

Omar Sy (French pronunciation: [ɔmaʁ si]; Fula: 𞤌𞤥𞤢𞤪 𞤅𞤭, romanized: Omar Si; born 20 January 1978) is a French actor. Sy was initially best known in France for his comedy sketches with Fred Testot on the Service après-vente des émissions television show on Canal+ (2005–2012). He gained wider international recognition for his role in the 2011 comedy-drama film The Intouchables, which earned him the César Award for Best Actor, making him the first black recipient. He later appeared in larger productions such as X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Jurassic World (2015), Two Is a Family (2016), Chocolat (2016), Inferno (2016), Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Arctic Dogs (2019), the Netflix-produced series Lupin (2021–present), Jurassic World Dominion, and The Takedown (2022).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The fourth of eight children, Omar Sy was born on 20 January 1978 in Trappes in the Yvelines department of the Île-de-France region. Both his parents are immigrants from West Africa. His Mauritanian mother, Diaratou, worked as a house cleaner, and his Senegalese father, Demba, worked in an auto parts factory after moving from Bakel to France in 1962. Sy is of Fulani origin. He was raised...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ayumi Hamasaki — Contemporary (Born in 1978) (1978): Japanese Pop Icon, 'Empress of Pop,' best-selling solo artist in Japan.
• Balabhaskar — Contemporary (Born in 1978) (1978): Pioneering Indian violinist and composer known for promoting fusion music.
• Didier Drogba — Contemporary (Born in 1978) (1978): Ivorian striker, celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership at Chelsea.
• Adam Oehlenschläger — Shared historical date (01-20 · Died) (1850): Pioneering Danish Romantic poet and playwright who shaped national literature.
• Al-Shafi'i — Shared historical date (01-20 · Died) (820): Founder of the Shāfiʿī school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and jurist.
• Ed Wood — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Cult filmmaker known for low-budget sci-fi, horror, and sexploitation films.
• Harvey Milk — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering gay rights activist and first openly gay elected official in California.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances.
• Anthony Barber — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): British Conservative politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (1970-1974)
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• 1978 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1978
• January 20 (01-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 20