Yves Jacques

Biography

Yves Jacques OC (born May 10, 1956) is a prominent Canadian actor known for his work in film, television, and on stage.

Born in Quebec City, Jacques pursued his passion for theatre at the Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe and began his acting career in Quebec City and Montreal. He gained significant recognition starting in 1981 as a sketch performer in the annual New Year's Eve variety show, Bye Bye, on Télévision de Radio-Canada. His breakthrough roles in film and television soon followed, and he became internationally renowned for portraying Claude, the gay academic, in Denys Arcand's acclaimed films The Decline of the American Empire and The Barbarian Invasions. On stage, he is acclaimed for his original portrayal of Lydie-Anne in the debut of Michel Marc Bouchard's play, Lilies.

Jacques has collaborated with renowned French director Claude Miller in various projects, including Of Woman and Magic and Little Lili. His reputation has only grown through numerous films and theatrical performances in both Quebec and France. Since 2001, he has showcased his versatility in two productions by Robert Lepage, Far Side of the Moon (La Face cachée de la lune) and Le Projet Andersen, taking on multiple roles. Recently, he appeared in Aline, directed by Valérie Lemercier, Maria by Alec Pronovost, and Les jours heureux by Chloé Robichaud. In 2022, Yves featured in Martin Villeneuve's The 12 Tasks of Imelda, alongside playwright Robert Lepage and actress-signer Ginette Reno.

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication in February 2001 and became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2009.

Yves Jacques is openly gay.