After starring in two small French films, Vartan grabbed the attention of the film world with his breakthrough performance in the 1993 Italian epic "Fiorile," directed by Paolo and Vittorio Taviani. Vartan, who was nominated for a French Caesar Award for Best Up-and-Coming Actor, played two characters in the movie.

Soon after, Vartan signed with an agent and landed a role in "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar," playing the bigoted small-town thug who harasses three drag queens (Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze and John Leguizamo). He went on to star opposite David Schwimmer as one of his best friends in "The Pallbearer," and also starred in "The Myth of Fingerprints," with Julianne Moore, and "The Curve," with Keri Russell, both of which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

Most recently Vartan starred opposite Drew Barrymore in the feature film "Never Been Kissed," and he'll be seen later this year in the psychological thriller "One Hour Photo," opposite Robin Williams.

On television Vartan starred as Sir Lancelot in the miniseries "The Mists of Avalon," opposite Angelica Huston, Julianna Margulies and Joan Allen, and has guest-starred on "Ally McBeal" and "Friends."

In his spare time Vartan enjoys playing many different types of sports and is an avid hockey and baseball fan.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Hometown: Fleury, France
Birthdate: November 27

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