Canadian‑born actor François Arnaud has steadily built a compelling career that defies easy categorization, combining striking screen presence, linguistic versatility, and a willingness to tackle emotionally challenging roles. Born François Landriault‑Barbeau on July 5, 1985, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he grew up immersed in François Arnaud the cultural tapestry of his native city before discovering a passion for acting that would shape his life and career. Arnaud’s ascent from local Canadian television to international drama series and cutting‑edge streaming hits reflects not only his talent but also his adaptability in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.

Early Life and Training

Arnaud’s early exposure to the performing arts set the stage for his future ambitions. He attended local schools in Montreal where he engaged in theatrical and musical studies, including time at Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont‑Royal, a boys choir school that fostered his interest in performance. He later earned an arts degree from Collège Jean‑de‑Brébeuf and was accepted into the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal in 2007, where he received classical training that deepened his craft and prepared him for professional work on both stage and screen. The decision to adopt the surname “Arnaud” professionally helped him distinguish himself from others in the industry and marked the beginning of his journey into broader acting roles.

After completing his formal training, Arnaud launched his career with roles in Canadian television, including a recurring part on the comedic series Taxi 0‑22 (2007–2009) and guest appearances on other francophone productions. These early experiences helped him hone his skills and expand his range as an actor comfortable in both English and French.

Breakthrough Roles and International Recognition

Arnaud’s international breakthrough came with his role as Cesare Borgia in the Showtime historical drama The Borgias (2011–2013), where he portrayed the complex and ruthless son of a powerful Renaissance pope. The role brought him widespread recognition and showcased his ability to navigate morally ambiguous characters with depth and intensity. It also opened doors to more diverse projects, including his portrayal of Manfred Bernardo on NBC’s Midnight, Texas (2017–2018), a supernatural drama that expanded his fan base in the United States.

In recent years, Arnaud has continued to evolve as an actor by taking on roles that challenge expectations and explore contemporary themes. Notably, in 2025 he stars as Scott Hunter in the Crave and HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, a hockey‑romance drama that has resonated with audiences for its heartfelt portrayal of identity, competition, and relationships. This role has further cemented his reputation as an actor capable of anchoring emotionally nuanced storytelling.

Beyond television, Arnaud’s film work includes notable appearances in J’ai tué ma mère (I Killed My Mother), directed by Xavier Dolan, where he delivered a memorable performance that earned him the Vancouver Film Critics Circle award for Best Supporting Actor. His filmography also features a mix of independent and studio projects that highlight his commitment to diverse storytelling.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Off‑screen, François Arnaud has been open about his personal journey and its intersection with his professional life. In September 2020, he came out publicly as bisexual in an Instagram post that addressed the challenges of bisexual visibility and the importance of representation in the arts. His candidness garnered support from fans and advocacy groups alike, marking him as a visible voice within the LGBTQ+ community in Hollywood.

His personal relationships have occasionally drawn media attention, including past romantic connections with fellow actors and more recent dating speculation from fans of his work. Importantly, Arnaud has navigated these topics with a focus on privacy and authenticity, emphasizing the importance of personal truth over tabloid narratives.

Legacy and Ongoing Work

At 40 years old, François Arnaud continues to build an expansive body of work that balances genre variety with emotional depth. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his roles and often selects projects that reflect his multifaceted interests as an artist. His performances resonate not just for their technical skill, but for their human complexity — whether playing historical figures, supernatural characters, or contemporary leads navigating love and identity.

As his career progresses, Arnaud remains a dynamic figure in entertainment, one whose work bridges cultural boundaries and whose personal advocacy contributes to broader discussions about inclusion and representation. In an industry that often rewards conformity, his journey exemplifies the power of authenticity and artistic versatility