Gustave Kervern Biography: Age, Wiki, Family, Relationship and More
Gustave Kervern stands as one of French cinema’s most distinctive creative voices. Moreover, his unique name—officially spelled with a slash as K/Vern in old Breton orthography—perfectly embodies his unconventional approach to filmmaking. Furthermore, as an actor, director, and screenwriter known for darkly comedic, socially conscious films, he has collaborated with partner Benoît Delépine for over two decades. Therefore, his work combines absurdist humor with poignant social commentary, earning international festival recognition.
Gustave Kervern Biography / Wiki
Who is Gustave Kervern?
Gustave Kervern (also known as Gustave de Kervern and Gustave K/Vern) is a French actor, director, and screenwriter. Moreover, he gained prominence through his work on Canal+’s satirical sketch show Groland and his creative partnership with Benoît Delépine. Furthermore, together they have directed critically acclaimed films including Aaltra (2004), Louise-Michel (2008), and Mammuth (2010).
In addition, Kervern studied business at KEDGE Business School in Marseille before pursuing his artistic career. Consequently, this unconventional background informs his unique perspective on French society and economics in his films.
Gustave Kervern Age – How Old is He?
Gustave Kervern was born on August 27, 1962, making him 63 years old as of January 2026. Moreover, some sources list his birth date as December 27, 1962, though August 27 appears more frequently in official records. Furthermore, he was born in Mauritius, the Indian Ocean island nation.
Early Life and Background
Gustave Kervern was born in Mauritius, the island nation in the Indian Ocean, on August 27, 1962. Moreover, his unique surname K/Vern—written with a slash—represents old Breton spelling for Ker’Vern. Furthermore, this distinctive name has caused practical difficulties, including his driver’s license being withheld temporarily because computers couldn’t process the slash character.
In addition, Kervern is originally from Mauritius but moved to France where he pursued his education and career. Therefore, his island upbringing combined with his French identity influences his outsider perspective on French society.
Gustave Kervern Education
Gustave Kervern studied business at KEDGE Business School (formerly École Supérieure de Commerce de Marseille) at their Marseille campus. Moreover, this business education provided an unusual foundation for his later artistic career. Furthermore, his understanding of commerce and economics informs the social critiques present in his films.
However, he eventually left the business world to pursue creative work in comedy and film. Consequently, he joined the entertainment industry through Canal+’s satirical programming.
Gustave Kervern Profession
Gustave Kervern works as a multi-hyphenate creative professional:
- Actor: He performs in films and television, often playing eccentric characters
- Director: He co-directs films with his creative partner Benoît Delépine
- Screenwriter: He writes or co-writes the scripts for his directorial projects
- Television Personality: He became famous as an alcoholic journalist character on Groland
Moreover, his profession centers on creating socially conscious, darkly comic works that challenge French cultural norms. Therefore, he operates primarily within French independent cinema.
Gustave Kervern Career Journey
Groland and Television Success (1999-Present)
In 1999, Kervern joined his friend Benoît Delépine on Groland, a burlesque, satirical comedy sketch show broadcast on Canal+. Moreover, he famously played an alcoholic journalist character that became iconic. Furthermore, Groland became a cult classic and remarkably continued broadcasting for over 30 years, still airing in 2023.
Consequently, Groland provided the foundation for Kervern’s creative partnership with Delépine. Therefore, their television success enabled their transition to feature films.
Film Directing Debut: Aaltra (2004)
In 2004, Kervern co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in Aaltra with Benoît Delépine. Moreover, this black-and-white road movie about two disabled men traveling across Europe established their distinctive absurdist style. Furthermore, the film garnered critical attention at international film festivals.
International Recognition: Avida (2006)
Kervern and Delépine’s next film, Avida, screened out of competition at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Moreover, this recognition elevated their profile internationally. Consequently, they became known for their uncompromising artistic vision.
Breakthrough: Louise-Michel (2008)
Their 2008 film Louise-Michel (internationally titled Louise Hires a Contract Killer) won a Special Jury Prize at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Moreover, this dark comedy about factory workers pooling money to hire a hitman showcased their socially conscious storytelling. Furthermore, the Sundance recognition brought significant international attention to their work.
Major Production: Mammuth (2010)
In 2010, Kervern directed Mammuth, a comedy-drama starring legendary actor Gérard Depardieu and Isabelle Adjani. Moreover, the film was nominated for the prestigious Golden Bear award at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival. Furthermore, it was the only French film selected for the Berlinale that year.
Consequently, Mammuth demonstrated Kervern’s ability to work with major French stars while maintaining his distinctive vision.
Literary Work (2012)
In 2012, Kervern collaborated with Stéphanie Pillonca on a book of interviews with leading cultural figures. Moreover, the book featured conversations with Gérard Depardieu, Yolande Moreau, author Amélie Nothomb, and singer Bénabar. Therefore, this project expanded his work beyond film into literary publishing.
Continued Collaborations
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Kervern continued directing and acting in films with Delépine:
- Near Death Experience (2014) – Director, writer
- Saint Amour (2016) – Director, writer
- I Feel Good (2018) – Director, featuring Jean Dujardin and Yolande Moreau
- Delete History (2020) – Writer, actor
Moreover, Saint Amour explored the world of French wine culture through their characteristic satirical lens. Furthermore, these films consistently examine French society’s quirks and contradictions.
Recent Work (2022-2025)
Kervern remains active in French cinema:
- Murder Party (2022) – Actor
- Sentinelle (2023) – Actor
- Rosalie (2023) – Actor, playing Paul, le père
- The Art of Nothing (2024) – Actor, playing Bagnoule
- La petite cuisine de Mehdi (2025) – Actor, playing Bernard
- Honeymoon Crasher (2025) – Actor, playing Maire Mariage (wedding mayor)
Therefore, at 63, Kervern continues working prolifically in French cinema.
Gustave Kervern Movies and TV Shows
As Director (with Benoît Delépine)
Gustave Kervern movies as director include:
- Aaltra (2004)
- Avida (2006)
- Louise-Michel / Louise Hires a Contract Killer (2008)
- Mammuth (2010)
- Not Dead (2012)
- Near Death Experience (2014)
- Saint Amour (2016)
- I Feel Good (2018)
As Actor
Notable acting roles include:
- Groland (1999-present) – Television series
- Delete History (2020)
- Murder Party (2022)
- Sentinelle (2023)
- Rosalie (2023)
- The Art of Nothing (2024)
- Honeymoon Crasher (2025)
- La petite cuisine de Mehdi (2025)
As Screenwriter
Kervern has written or co-written:
- The Poisoning Angel (2016) – Adaptation, dialogue, screenplay
- Saint Amour (2016) – Screenplay
- I Feel Good (2018) – Screenplay
- Delete History (2020) – Writer
- Plus belle l’eau de vie (2021) – TV movie writer
Gustave Kervern Family
Wife: Stéphanie
Gustave Kervern is married to a woman named Stéphanie, whose surname remains private. Moreover, in a 2017 interview, Kervern joked that his unusual surname with the slash character “only serves to drive his wife Stephanie, crazy”. Therefore, we know he has been married for at least 9 years as of 2026.
However, specific details about their marriage date, how they met, or whether they have children remain private. Consequently, Kervern maintains significant privacy regarding his personal life.
Children
Public information about whether Gustave Kervern has children is not available in accessible sources. Moreover, he appears to keep his family life separate from his public persona. Therefore, any information about potential children remains private.
Gustave Kervern Family
| Relationship | Details |
| Wife | Stéphanie (surname private) |
| Children | Information not publicly available |
| Parents | Names not publicly documented |
| Birthplace | Mauritius |
| Current Residence | France (specific location private) |
Gustave Kervern Net Worth
Gustave Kervern net worth is not publicly documented in available sources. However, we can make educated assessments based on his career:
Estimated Earnings Sources
- Film Directing: As a director of multiple festival-selected films, he earns directorial fees
- Acting Work: His extensive acting credits across French cinema provide steady income
- Screenwriting: Writing credits on his films generate additional compensation
- Television: His long-running work on Groland provides television income
- Literary Work: His 2012 interview book with leading figures adds to earnings
Moreover, French independent cinema directors typically earn modest but respectable incomes compared to Hollywood standards. Furthermore, his consistent work since 1999 suggests financial stability. Therefore, while exact figures remain unavailable, Kervern likely maintains comfortable middle-class earnings from his diverse creative portfolio.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Gustave Kervern has accumulated 11 wins and 22 nominations. Moreover, significant recognitions include:
- Special Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival 2009 for Louise-Michel
- Golden Bear nomination at Berlin International Film Festival 2010 for Mammuth
- Cannes Film Festival out-of-competition screening for Avida (2006)
Furthermore, his films regularly screen at prestigious international festivals, cementing his reputation as a significant voice in French independent cinema.
Creative Partnership with Benoît Delépine
The professional relationship between Gustave Kervern and Benoît Delépine defines both their careers. Moreover, they have collaborated on virtually all their major projects since meeting on Groland in 1999.
Furthermore, their films share common themes:
- Social outcasts and marginalized people
- Critiques of capitalism and consumerism
- Absurdist, dark humor
- Road trip narratives
- Non-professional actors mixed with established stars
Consequently, the duo has created a distinctive filmmaking style recognizable across their body of work. Therefore, their partnership represents one of French cinema’s most enduring creative collaborations.
Current Status (2026)
As of January 2026, Gustave Kervern remains active in French cinema at age 63. Moreover, his recent film La petite cuisine de Mehdi demonstrates his continued presence in contemporary productions. Furthermore, he balances acting roles with potential future directing projects with Delépine.
In addition, Groland continues broadcasting on Canal+, maintaining his television presence. Therefore, Kervern shows no signs of slowing down creatively.
Legacy and Impact
Gustave Kervern has established himself as a singular voice in French cinema. Moreover, his films consistently champion society’s underdogs while critiquing economic and social systems. Furthermore, his willingness to cast non-professional actors alongside major stars creates authentic, humanistic storytelling.
In addition, his business school background provides unique perspective on capitalism’s absurdities. Consequently, his work resonates with audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream French comedy. Therefore, despite working outside commercial cinema’s mainstream, Kervern has built a respected, influential career spanning over 25 years.
