Renowned French Actor Tchéky Karyo Dies at 72 After Cancer Battle

Renowned French actor Tchéky Karyo, who co-starred in the 1990 film La Femme Nikita and led the TV series Baptiste, has passed away at the age of 72. Karyo's death, due to cancer, was announced on November 1st, 2025 by his wife, actor Valérie Keruzoré, and their children.

Born in Istanbul in 1953, Karyo moved to France at a young age and began his acting career in the early 1980s. He received a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actor for his role in the 1982 film La balance. Karyo's big break came in 1990 when he was cast by director Luc Besson in the key role of Bob, a government agent who mentors the title character in La Femme Nikita.

Over the following decades, Karyo continued to work steadily in both film and television, appearing in over 100 projects. His credits ranged from Michael Bay's Bad Boys to the Pierce Brosnan James Bond film GoldenEye. In more recent years, Karyo found success on the small screen, starring in the British crime drama series The Missing and its spinoff, Baptiste, for which he received a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Miniseries.

Karyo's passing marks the end of a prolific 40-year acting career that saw him become a beloved figure in French cinema and television. His versatility and dedication to his craft will be greatly missed by his many fans and collaborators.