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You surely know him, David Baiot, this actor who has been an essential fixture of French television for years. Born on February 6, 1983 in Libreville, Gabon, he is now 42 years old (in 2025) and stands about 1.78 meters tall. On the love front, even if it’s not the main point, he keeps his private life rather discreet, although he sometimes shares moments with his loved ones, especially his children, which makes him even more human in my eyes.
Before becoming the actor we admire on screen, he didn’t jump straight into the spotlight. First, he studied foreign languages (quite classic, right?) before switching to communication and audiovisual. Can you imagine? Moving from languages to the stage, quite a turn, but it already shows his desire to explore and reinvent himself.
His real springboard was “Plus belle la vie” where he plays Djawad Sangha. This role slowly won over the audience. What’s crazy is how Djawad is not just a character, but a true positive representative of diversity on television. In France, we need that, and David carried it with real conviction. You can feel he’s not doing it just to act, but to speak about real change.
Since then, he hasn’t stopped. After leaving “Plus belle la vie” in 2017 – because yes, he wanted to prove he was more than just a soap character – he explored cinema, other series like “Caïn” and even international projects. And in 2024, surprise, he reunited with Djawad in “Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle”. It’s a return to roots with a fresh look, he plays a more mature, more complicated relationship, and frankly, it’s worth seeing.
David Baiot: a French actor from Gabon at the heart of diversity on screen
David Baiot is first and foremost this guy born in Gabon, who arrived in France at 6 years old. We don’t necessarily imagine how much that forces you to adapt, to feel somewhat foreign everywhere, and at the same time to absolutely want to fit in. It’s this tension that, I think, fuels his acting work. He has played Djawad Sangha in “Plus belle la vie” since 2009, and this character has become a real role model, especially for those still struggling today with their identity or origins.
This role as Djawad also gave him rare visibility as a Black actor in a mainstream French fiction, and that’s no small thing. Honestly, he brought a fresh breeze by showing that integration and diversity are not just empty words but life stories, with their joys and dramas. And the story of the couple Djawad-Estelle even, I swear, helped some real mixed couples assert themselves against prejudices. That’s the power of a series that goes beyond the screen.
From plumber to popular hero: the atypical journey of David Baiot
Before becoming this actor we follow on TF1, another life existed. David first tried schools, languages, then communication. Not exactly the trajectory of a TV soap! Then acting arrived slowly, with this flagship series. What stands out is the strong human connection on set. David talks about a family atmosphere where new and old actors share more than scenes, a real team spirit that helps you grow.
And then the screenwriters did a cool thing: they integrated parts of David himself into the character. As a result, Djawad gained authenticity; we don’t just have a written role but a human guy with his flaws and strengths. This actor/character mix is a delicate thing, but here, it works.
Various roles after Plus belle la vie to avoid the single character trap
After 8 years in the same role, David had this genius (or courage) moment to say stop. He wanted something else, to prove he could adapt, play other things. Since then, he has been in “Les Crevettes pailletées” or “Caïn” and even in the series “Exterminate all the brutes” with Josh Hartnett, a major international project. He also acts in regional series, TV movies… In short, he moves, he takes risks.
This desire not to stay locked in is really admirable. Without this departure, we might never have seen his acting range. I find that it gives him legitimacy beyond “Plus belle la vie” and greatly inspires many young actors.
Private life and anecdotes: a humble man with solid foundations
David, off set, is also a dad who shares some moments with his children, especially on Instagram. Even if he doesn’t show off, you can feel that family matters to him, and it keeps him grounded. One detail struck me: he recently moved to Marseille, not just for more “Plus belle la vie”. No, it’s a life choice, for calm and quality of life. I love that kind of anecdote that shows the real man, far from bling-bling.
On set, professionalism is everywhere, but also a good dose of humor. For example, for more intimate scenes with Lola Marois (Ariane in the new season), they spent a lot of time discussing and agreeing. They wanted it to seem natural, but funny, not awkward at all. This kind of atmosphere makes you want to create.
- 🎭 An icon of diversity on French TV
- 🎬 A brave departure to reinvent himself
- 👨👧👦 A dad close to his children
- 🎥 A career expanding in France and internationally
- 🤝 Harmony on sets to create a true team spirit
In 2025, what projects for David Baiot?
After stepping back into “Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle” in 2024, David doesn’t seem ready to slow down. With new commitments in international shoots and personal projects, you can tell he wants to keep surprising. The fact that he is announced in series on Arte and HBO shows his ambition, and frankly, it’s quite reassuring to see someone both popular and demanding.
If you want to follow his adventures and artist life more closely, he shares quite a lot on Instagram. And for those who want a more detailed portrait, Allociné lets you see his complete career. As for his family and children, this is where it’s told well with emotion.
What role made David Baiot famous?
It’s his character Djawad Sangha in the series ‘Plus belle la vie’ that made him known to the general public.
Why did David Baiot leave ‘Plus belle la vie’ in 2017?
He wanted to explore new roles and not remain locked in the image of Djawad Sangha.
What are David Baiot’s international projects?
He participated in the series ‘Exterminate all the brutes’ with Josh Hartnett, broadcast on HBO and Arte.
How does David Baiot describe the atmosphere on set?
He talks about a real family atmosphere and a team spirit among the actors, which greatly helped his career.
Where can we follow David Baiot’s news?
On Instagram, as well as on Allociné and various celebrity sites like Gala or Voici.
