Gilles Marc Béhat, a multifaceted creative force in the realm of French cinema, burst into the world on September 3, 1949, in the charming city of Lille. Interestingly, his birth name was originally Béat, but a minor yet significant error occurred when a "h" was accidentally appended to his name in the credits of his inaugural film as an actor, the cinematic masterpiece "L'Hercule sur la place".
Béhat's adolescence was marked by an unrelenting enthusiasm for the melodic arts, with the guitar serving as his instrument of choice within the context of a rock band. This early fascination with music laid the groundwork for his future pursuits, ultimately leading him to pursue a formal education in the art of acting at the esteemed Conservatoire d'Art Dramatique.
The acting career of Éric Béhat commenced with appearances in television series, initially landing the role of Pierre Vignard in the French television show "L'Hercule sur la place", followed by a stint as Charles IV le Bel in the historical drama series "Les Rois maudits" in 1972. Furthermore, Béhat's early filmography includes a notable appearance in Gérard Pires's 1970 film "Elle court, elle court la banlieue", showcasing his versatility as an actor. Additionally, he appeared in Jean Yanne's 1972 film "Chobizenesse", a cinematic endeavor that highlighted his ability to adapt to various roles. Lastly, his filmography also features a memorable performance in Bernard Paul's 1975 film "Beau Masque", a testament to his burgeoning talent as a young actor.
Béhat's directorial endeavors have resulted in a diverse array of feature films, with a notable emphasis on detective and action genres. His 1984 cinematic venture, Rue barbare, garnered considerable attention and acclaim, with its gritty portrayal of the gangster underworld. However, some of his subsequent film projects, such as Dancing Machine, which boasted the talents of renowned actor Alain Delon, did not quite achieve the same level of success.
Subsequently, Béhat shifted his focus to the realm of television, where he has helmed numerous series for prominent French networks, including TF1, France 2, and Canal+, throughout the 1990s.
Béhat made a triumphant comeback to the world of cinema in the year 2008, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career, as he ventured into the realm of direction, helming the gritty and intense noir film "Diamant 13", a project that boasted an impressive ensemble cast, featuring the renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu, the talented Olivier Marchal, and the captivating Asia Argento.
