Gérard Watkins

Gérard Watkins is a multifaceted talent in the realms of acting, playwriting, directing, and songwriting, holding both English and French nationality. His extensive career as a stage actor includes performances in over forty productions across Paris, collaborating with esteemed directors such as Véronique Bellegarde, Julie Beres, and Jean-Pierre Vincent, among others. Watkins has garnered critical acclaim for his portrayals of Ian in Sarah Kane’s provocative work *Blasted*, Edmond in Shakespeare’s *King Lear*, and the role of Rosalind in *As You Like It*.

In film, he gained widespread recognition for his compelling performance as Patrice Saint Clair in the 2009 thriller *Taken*, where he played the formidable sex trafficking kingpin involved in the abduction of the protagonist's daughter. His cinematic journey includes collaborations with notable directors like Julian Schnabel and Hugo Santiago, showcasing his versatility across various genres.

Since 1994, Watkins has been at the helm of his own theatre company, the Perdita Ensemble, where he has directed and staged his original works, including *The Secret Capital*, *Follow Me*, *The Tower*, *In the Faraway Forest*, *Icone*, *Identity*, *Lost*, and *I Don't Remember Very Well*. His contributions to both theatre and film have solidified his reputation as a significant figure in contemporary performing arts.