Kad Merad Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Children, Wife, Films, Awards

Kad Merad is a French-Algerian actor, comedian, and director known for his versatility in film and television.

He gained popularity through his comedic duo, “Kad et Olivier.” He later achieved mainstream success with films like Les Choristes, Je vais bien, ne tepuis fais pas, and Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis.

Profile

• Full Name: Kaddour Merad
• Stage Name: Kad Merad
• Born: March 27, 1964
• Age: 60 years old
• Birthplace: Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria
• Nationality: French-Algerian
• Occupation: Actor, Writer, Comedian
• Height: 1.83cm
• Parents: Mohamed “Rémy” Merad (father), Janine Béguin (mother)
• Siblings: Karim Merad, Reda Merad, Yasmina Merad
• Spouse: Julia Vignali
• Children: Kalil Merad
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $185 million

Early Life and Education

Kad Merad was born on March 27, 1964, in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria. As of 2025, he is 60 years old. He was born to an Algerian father, Mohamed “Rémy” Merad, and a French mother, Janine Béguin.

He has three siblings: two brothers, Karim and Reda, and a sister, Yasmina. Kad Merad is of Algerian and French ethnicity and was raised in a Muslim family.

During his early years, his family moved to France, where he grew up in Balbigny, Loire, before settling in Ris-Orangis, Essonne. He developed a passion for music and theater, performing as a drummer and singer in rock bands.

For his education, he attended acting and theater training under Jacqueline Duc, which helped shape his career in performance arts. His background in theater played a crucial role in his transition into comedy and film.

Career

Kad Merad began his career in entertainment as a musician, performing as a drummer and singer in rock bands. His passion for performance led him to join a theater troupe, where he developed his comedic skills.

In the early 1990s, he gained recognition as part of the comedic duo Kad et Olivier alongside Olivier Baroux. The duo became popular through their work on French radio station Oüi FM and later on television, hosting comedy shows like La Grosse Émission on Comédie! Channel.

Merad transitioned to acting in films, making his mark in French cinema with supporting roles in movies like Les Choristes (2004), which brought him widespread recognition. His breakthrough came in Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas (2006), a dramatic role that earned him the César Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He became a household name with the massive box-office hit Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (2008), in which he starred alongside Dany Boon. The film became one of the highest-grossing French films of all time.

His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between comedy and drama, with notable performances in Le Petit Nicolas (2009), Monsieur Papa (2011), Les Vacances du Petit Nicolas (2014), and Le Doudou (2018).

In addition to acting, Kad Merad has worked as a director and screenwriter. He directed Monsieur Papa (2011) and has collaborated with Olivier Baroux on several successful comedy films. He remains influential in French cinema and television, continuously taking on diverse roles in comedic and dramatic productions.

Awards and Nominations

• César Awards: Won Best Supporting Actor for “Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas” (2007)
• Étoile d’Or: Nominated for Best Male Newcomer for “Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas” (2007)
• Globe de Cristal: Nominated for Best Actor for “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” (2009)

Social Media

• Instagram: @merad.kad
• YouTube Channel: Kad Merad

Personal Life

Kad Merad is married to French television presenter Julia Vignali. The couple married in 2022 after being in a relationship for several years. Before his marriage to Julia Vignali, Kad Merad was in a long-term relationship with Emmanuelle Cosso, a writer and lyricist, with whom he had a son named Khalil Merad. He stands at 1.83 cm (6 feet 0 inches) tall, giving him a commanding presence on screen.

Filmography

As Actor:

• “Les Choristes” (2004)
• “Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas” (2006)
• “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” (2008)
• “Le Petit Nicolas” (2009)
• “Supercondriaque” (2014)
• “Bis” (2015)
• “La Mélodie” (2017)

As Director:

• “Monsieur Papa” (2011)
• “Mais qui a re-tué Pamela Rose?” (2012)

Net Worth

Kad Merad’s estimated net Worth is $185 million. His wealth comes primarily from his successful career in the entertainment industry, which has included acting, directing, screenwriting, and television hosting.

As one of France’s most recognized actors, he has starred in numerous box-office hits, including Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis, Les Choristes, and Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas, which have contributed significantly to his earnings.

Additionally, his work as a director and screenwriter has further boosted his financial success. In addition to films and television, Kad Merad has earned income from brand endorsements, theater performances, and other business ventures.