Basic Information
Name - Timothée Hal Chalamet
Date of Birth - December 27, 1995
Nationality - French-American
Parents - Marc Chalamet, Nicole Flender
Education - LaGuardia High School (2013), New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study, Columbia University
Siblings - Pauline Chalamet
Profession - Actor, Film Producer
Social Media Links - Instagram - @tchalamet
Biography
Timothée Hal Chalamet, born on December 27, 1995, in New York City, is a French-American actor and film producer known for his versatility and talent. He has received multiple award nominations, including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and four BAFTA Film Awards.
Chalamet's journey in the entertainment industry began in his teenage years with television roles, including a notable appearance in the drama series Homeland in 2012. He transitioned to films with Men, Women & Children in 2014 and gained further recognition in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar the same year. However, it was his role in Call Me by Your Name (2017) that brought him international fame and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
His career flourished with supporting roles in Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019). He also starred as Nic Sheff, a young man struggling with addiction, in the biopic Beautiful Boy (2018). His transition into leading blockbuster films began with his portrayal of Paul Atreides in Dune (2021) and its sequel Dune: Part Two (2024). He also played Willy Wonka in the musical fantasy Wonka (2023) and took on the role of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown (2024), which he also produced. His performance in the latter earned him another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Aside from his film career, Chalamet has also made an impact on stage, starring in the play Prodigal Son (2016), which won him a Lucille Lortel Award. Offscreen, he is widely regarded as a fashion icon and a symbol of modern Hollywood charisma.
Chalamet was raised in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in an artist-friendly housing community. His older sister, Pauline Chalamet, is also an actress. His mother, Nicole Flender, is a former Broadway dancer and a real estate agent, while his father, Marc Chalamet, is a journalist who works with UNICEF and Le Parisien. His mixed heritage—French on his father’s side and Russian and Austrian Jewish on his mother’s side—has played a significant role in shaping his identity. With dual citizenship in the United States and France, he spent his summers in a small French village, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, which contributed to his deep connection with both cultures.
From an early age, Chalamet displayed a passion for acting, heavily influenced by Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008). He attended PS 87 and later MS 54 for middle school, where he felt stifled by the lack of creative outlets. Seeking an environment where he could fully embrace his artistic side, he applied to the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Although initially rejected due to his middle school record, his impressive audition won over the faculty, leading to his acceptance. During high school, he participated in stage productions, starring as Emcee in Cabaret and Oscar Lindquist in Sweet Charity. He also briefly dated Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter. He graduated in 2013 and was recognized as a YoungArts alumnus.
After high school, Chalamet enrolled at Columbia University, majoring in cultural anthropology. However, balancing academics with his growing acting career proved difficult, especially after filming Interstellar. He later transferred to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where he had more flexibility to pursue acting. Eventually, he decided to leave university entirely, choosing to focus fully on his career and avoid student debt. During this period, he lived in the Bronx, further immersing himself in the life of a young actor chasing his dreams.
Timothée Chalamet’s journey from a passionate teenager with a love for storytelling to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors is a testament to his dedication and talent. His ability to seamlessly transition between independent films and blockbuster hits has cemented his status as one of the most influential actors of his generation.
Career Timeline
2012 - appearing in the drama series in "Homeland."
2014 - Makes his film debut in "Men, Women & Children" and appears in "Interstellar."
2017 - Breakthrough performance in "Call Me by Your Name," earning his first Oscar nomination.
2018 - Further acclaim with "Beautiful Boy" alongside Steve Carell.
2019 - Stars in "The King" and Greta Gerwig’s "Little Women."
2021 - Leads Denis Villeneuve’s "Dune" as Paul Atreides.
2023 - Plays Willy Wonka in "Wonka," showcasing his musical talents.
2024 - Returns for "Dune: Part Two."
Achievements
Awards & Recognition:
Academy Award nomination for Best Actor ("Call Me by Your Name").
BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination.
Golden Globe nomination for "Beautiful Boy."
Won Best Actor at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards ("Call Me by Your Name").
Records/Stats:
Youngest Best Actor Oscar nominee in almost 80 years.
Philanthropic Work:
Donated his earnings from "A Rainy Day in New York" to charity.
Advocates for climate change awareness and humanitarian causes.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases
"I don’t want to work with anyone who’s not passionate about what they’re doing."
"I feel like I learned the most in failure."
"The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career is to trust the process and stay true to your instincts."
