At 76, Jean Reno remains one of France's most cherished cinematic figures, known for iconic roles across generations including films like Le Grand Bleu and Léon. Recently, he opened up about his life and experiences during interviews, reflecting on his divided life between the United States and France.
Residing primarily in the vibrant Greenwich Village of New York City, Reno discussed how he enjoys his time there more than he did during his six-month stint filming Godzilla in Los Angeles. "New York is an easy city for me, whereas Los Angeles made me feel isolated," he confessed. This shift came not just from career choices but personal preferences. He has cultivated friendships with both French and American celebrities, including his nearby neighbor, the legendary Robert de Niro. "He’s someone very deep and worth knowing, contrary to the idea of meeting your idols and being disappointed," Reno said, highlighting the respect he has for de Niro's talent.
But what drove Reno to live across the Atlantic? Love played a significant role. He met his current wife, Zofia, during his time there, and much of his American life revolves around this relationship. He visits France occasionally for holidays but has expressed his lack of fondness for Paris these days: "Quant à Paris, je n'aime plus du tout. C'est confus, chaotique, violent, je n'y suis plus à l'aise," he said. Many of his contemporaries share his sentiments about the French capital.
Jean Reno has roots far beyond his film career, tracing his childhood back to Morocco, where he acknowledged not having the most idyllic upbringing. "I was born in what you would call a hole, it was unsanitary. Just one window and door opening to similar conditions for neighboring families." He went on to say, "I left there with asthma, which I managed to control around twelve years old." These accounts enlighten us about how Reno's early life crafted the man he is today.
While his childhood was fraught with difficulties, he maintains fond memories of the country. Reflecting on this, he emphasized, "The Moroccans are very welcoming and friendly. It's also about the cuisine and the spices; whenever I smell cumin, I am instantly transported back home." Here, he showcases the dichotomy of his life experiences—harsh realities set against beautiful vivid memories.
Reno’s domestic life is just as compelling, especially his ties to the American music scene through Zofia, who has had close ties with rap mogul Jay-Z since adolescence. "My wife has even done some work on his records; she knows him well," he remarked, divulging their intertwined lives once again. Although Jay-Z is facing serious allegations of misconduct, Reno has maintained admiration for the rapper, drawing attention to his attentive nature and hospitality: "When I met him, he prepared me cheeses and Bordeaux; he’s really considerate. Here is someone who knows how to listen. We used to see each other quite often, but now they are mostly settled down elsewhere and our contact has lessened."
Reno’s colorful reflections encapsulate multifaceted layers of his personal life, professional identity, and cultural heritage. His encounters and the art he creates, along with the friendships he nurtures, paint the picture of not just the man on film but also the man behind the camera. At another juncture, he joked about the industry itself, noting it has its own rhythms and expectations. He even muse about potential future work, like the possibility of reprising former roles. “Replaying Godefroy de Montmirail? No. The past is the past; I’m interested only in making new stories now,” he stated firmly.
The changing cinematic landscapes reflect Reno’s evolution as well. He noted how films have transformed compared to the ones he initially made and how the audience's tastes have shifted. He articulated, "I’ve done many films, and the industry has changed to regard economics more than ever; sequel productions aren't as straightforward anymore due to these factors." This line of thinking demonstrates how any actor thrives on adaptation not just to personal styles but also to broad industry expectations.
Through every anecdote, Reno offers not just reflections on his past but insights about the current reality for film stars and artists alike. Navigations through personal and professional experiences allow him to connect deeply with both his roots and his work. To this day, with his rich childhood memories coupled with the milestones of his career, Jean Reno’s legacy continues to mold around him, creating fresh images and impressions of the world as he understands it.
With each interview, one thing is clear: Jean Reno is not simply content to rest on past achievements; he is ever-learning from his past, engaging actively with the present, and crafting his narrative for the future of cinema.
