Paris-born Robert Hossein, the son of renowned orchestra conductor André Hossein, embarked on a distinguished career in the performing arts, beginning with his training at René Simon's esteemed acting school. Hossein's early years in the industry were marked by his association with the legendary Theatre Grand Guignol in Montmartre, where he honed his craft as both an actor and director.
Following his stint on the "legitimate" stage, Hossein made his transition to the silver screen, making his film debut in the 1955 classic Rififi. He would go on to establish himself as a versatile and talented leading man, often cast as jaded villains in a wide range of films.
In addition to his work as an actor, Hossein also demonstrated a keen eye for direction, making his debut behind the camera with The Wicked Go to Hell in 1955. He went on to helm a number of notable films, including the Film Noir classics Toi... le venin and J'ai tué Raspoutine.
The 1960s saw Hossein take on the iconic role of Jeoffrey de Peyrac in the soft-core Angélique film series, a franchise that cemented his status as one of France's most prominent leading men. Throughout his career, Hossein shared the screen with a diverse array of leading ladies, including Brigitte Bardot, Michèle Mercier, Marina Vlady, Stéphane Audran, Claude Jade, and Sophia Loren, as well as more recent collaborations with Audrey Tautou in Venus Beauty Institute.
