Star of ‘GoldenEye,’ Passes Away at 72 – Cause of Death Revealed

French actor Tchéky Karyo, known for his work in films like La Femme Nikita and GoldenEye, has died at the age of 72. Karyo, who was born in Turkey and raised in Paris, passed away on Friday after a battle with cancer, AFP reported. His death was confirmed by his wife, actress Valérie Keruzoré, and their children.

Karyo’s career spanned nearly four decades, during which he became recognized for his strong supporting roles in film and later for his work in television. He first gained attention with the crime thriller La Balance in 1982, and later became widely known for his role as Bob in Luc Besson’s Nikita in 1990.

On television, Karyo became a familiar face to BBC audiences for his role in the series The Missing, which premiered in 2014. He played French detective Julien Baptiste in the first season, focused on the disappearance of a young boy, and reprised the role in the second season in 2016, which followed a missing girl in Germany. Both seasons received praise from critics, with Karyo’s performance highlighted as a standout. In 2019, he returned in the spin-off series Baptiste on BBC One.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed her condolences, saying, “We are so sad to learn of the passing of Tchéky Karyo. He was a truly brilliant and much loved actor and he will be fondly remembered by BBC viewers for his roles in The Missing, Baptiste and most recently Boat Story. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.”

Karyo was born on October 4, 1953, in Istanbul to a Turkish lorry driver of Spanish-Jewish descent and a Greek mother, according to Le Monde. He started his career in theater before moving into film, earning a César Award nomination for Best Male Revelation for his work in La Balance.

Throughout his career, Karyo appeared in a variety of films including Joan of Arc (1993), A Very Long Engagement (2004), Ridley Scott’s 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992), and the James Bond film GoldenEye (1995). He also portrayed Nostradamus in the 1994 film of the same name. Even in smaller roles, such as a brief appearance in Amélie (2001), Karyo left a mark with his presence.

Tchéky Karyo will be remembered as a versatile actor who brought intensity and depth to both film and television roles. His career reflected dedication and talent across multiple genres and formats.

It’s a sad day for fans of French cinema and international television. Karyo’s performances will continue to be celebrated for years to come. What do you remember most about Tchéky Karyo’s work? Share your thoughts in the comments.