Sunday, April 28

Who Is Jimmy Jean-Louis, The Hollywood Actor In Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life)?

Edited by Aishwarya Krishnan
Who Is Jimmy Jean-Louis, The Hollywood Actor In Aadujeevitham? (image-Instagram/jimmyjeanlouis)

The international co-production and the highly anticipated Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) are special for several reasons. The reunion of AR Rahman and Resul Pookutty, acclaimed director Blessy’s return after a decade, and the phenomenal transformation of Prithviraj are some of the few. But there is one more reason that gives the film an edge: Jimmy Jean-Louis.

The Haiti-born actor and producer grew up without electricity or clean water facilities. He moved to Paris with his family at an early age, in pursuit of a better life out there. However, the ‘better life’ Jean-Louis was seeking did not come easily. Having lived in the streets of Paris as a homeless person, Jean-Louis’s life was not easy. But his love for performance and the hope of a better day kept him moving.

In 1996, Jean-Louis had his first brush with India. A few models from Paris were invited to Mumbai and New Delhi. One of the famous figures who also walked the ramp with Jean-Louis was none other than the Miss Universe at the time, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

From Paris, he headed to Spain to do musical theatre and then to Italy. It was a decade later that Jean-Louis received an opportunity to feature in a Coca-Cola advertisement, triggering his modelling career.

Jean-Louis worked for several brands, including Valentino and Gianfranco Ferre. By the mid-90s, he made appearances in music videos of musical icons such as Mariah Carey, George Michael, En Vogue, Seal, and the French singer Ophelie Winter.

His acting journey in Hollywood began by playing small roles in films like Matt Damon’s The Bourne Identity, Bruce Willis’ Tears of the Sun, Harrison Ford’s Hollywood Homicide, and others. He then got the recurring role of ‘The Haitian’ in NBC’s Heroes. In 2013, he portrayed ‘The Captain’ in CW’s Arrow, based on the DC Comics famous archer. He has also appeared in the TV series Claws and the British film The Cursed Ones.

Named the Ambassador-at-Large to Haiti by President Michel Martelly in 2014, Jean-Louis has also worked for his home. After the Haiti earthquake in 2010, his childhood home was wrecked, and several of his relatives had been killed. Founding the Hollywood Unites for Haiti, Jean-Louis works to provide the underprivileged youth of the Caribbean country with education and other opportunities. Jean-Louis is an avid supporter of the Haitian cause and represents the spirit of Haiti.

With several nominations for the best actor categories at film festivals, Jean-Louis has a strong grasp over his craft. With his entry into Indian cinema as an actor and as a co-producer, he has added another feather to his cap.

Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) releases on March 28.