Pierre-François Martin-Laval Biography: Nationality, Films, Net Worth, Age, Height, Parents, Siblings, Wife

Pierre-François Martin-Laval, affectionately known as Pef, is a French actor, director, screenwriter, and theater director from Marseille, France.

Renowned for his comedic roots with the troupe Les Robins des Bois and his films like Les Profs and Gaston Lagaffe, he brings humor and heart to French cinema.

Profile

• Full Name: Pierre-François Martin-Laval
• Stage Name: Pef
• Born: June 25, 1968
• Age: 57 years old
• Birthplace: Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
• Nationality: French
• Occupation: Actor, Film Director, Screenwriter, Theater Director
• Height: 5 feet 9¾ inches (177 cm)
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Denis Martin-Laval
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $2 million to $13 million

Early Life

Pierre-François Martin-Laval was born on June 25, 1968, in Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. His father, Denis Martin-Laval, was a doctor, but details about his mother and potential siblings are not publicly disclosed, as he keeps his family life private.

Of French nationality and presumed Caucasian ethnicity, his religious beliefs are not documented. Growing up in Marseille’s vibrant coastal city, Pef developed a passion for performance early on, drawn to comedy and theater.

Education

From 1988 to 1991, Pef trained as an actor under Isabelle Nanty and Denise Bonal at the prestigious Cours Florent in Paris. He also studied with Yves Le Moign, honing his skills in comedy and theater.

Career

Pef began his career in 1996 with the comedy troupe Les Robins des Bois, initially called The Royal Imperial Green Rabbit Company, alongside Marina Foïs, Élise Larnicol, Maurice Barthélemy, Jean-Paul Rouve, and Pascal Vincent, whom he met at Cours Florent.

Their debut play, Robin des Bois d’à peu près Alexandre Dumas, premiered on October 10, 1996, at Théâtre des Sablons in Fontainebleau, and went on to gain fame at Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse in 1997. The troupe became a sensation on the TV show La Grosse Émission on Comédie!, performing absurd sketches that boosted their popularity.

Pef’s film career took off with roles in Trafic d’influence (1999) and The Girl on the Bridge (1999). He voiced characters in animated films like La Prophétie des grenouilles (2003) as the giraffe, Ratatouille (2007) as Émile, and L’Apprenti Père Noël (2010) as Edgar.

His directorial debut, Essaye-moi (2006), was followed by adaptations of French comics: King Guillaume (2009), Les Profs (2013), Les Profs 2 (2015), and Gaston Lagaffe (2018).

He also directed Fahim (2019), a drama about a young chess prodigy. In 2025, he starred as Olivier Sonzogni in the TV film Meurtres à Bussang, part of the Meurtres à… collection. Pef continues to act, direct, and write, blending comedy with heartfelt storytelling.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @pef_martin_laval
• Facebook: Pierre-François Martin-Laval

Personal Life

Pef, 57, resides in Paris, France, and is single, with no confirmed spouse, children, or relationships. Standing at 5 feet 9¾ inches, he’s known for his expressive, comedic presence, often sporting a playful demeanor that suits his roles. A Cancer, he’s described as creative and dedicated, traits reflected in his multifaceted career.

He enjoys theater and maintains close ties with his colleagues at Les Robins des Bois, particularly Marina Foïs and Jean-Paul Rouve. Pef avoids significant controversies, focusing on his work and occasional fan interactions at events like film premieres. His Marseille roots remain a point of pride, often referenced in interviews.

Net Worth

Pef’s net Worth is estimated at $2 million to $13 million. His income comes from acting, directing, and screenwriting, with notable earnings from Les Profs and Gaston Lagaffe.

Filmography

• Trafic d’influence (1999) – Film, Actor
• The Girl on the Bridge (1999) – Film, Contortionist
• La Prophétie des grenouilles (2003) – Animated Film, Giraffe (Voice)
• Essaye-moi (2006) – Film, Actor/Director, Yves-Marie
• Ratatouille (2007) – Animated Film, Émile (Voice, French version)
• Notre ami le rat (2007) – Animated Short, Émile (Voice, French version)
• King Guillaume (2009) – Film, Actor/Director
• L’Apprenti Père Noël (2010) – Animated Film, Edgar (Voice)
• Le Magasin des suicides (2012) – Animated Film, Pretty Boy (Voice)
• Les Profs (2013) – Film, Actor/Director, Antoine Polochon
• Les Profs 2 (2015) – Film, Actor/Director, Antoine Polochon
• L’un dans l’autre (2016) – Film, Actor
• Gaston Lagaffe (2018) – Film, Actor/Director
• Fahim (2019) – Film, Director
• Meurtres à Bussang (2025) – TV Film, Olivier Sonzogni