Emily In Paris’ Genevive aka Thalia Besson, inherits her interest in cinema from her French parents and directors, Luc and Virgine Besson.
Key Takeaways
- Thalia Besson’s ethnic roots take her back to France and Senegal.
- She has inherited her career path and interest in cinema from her French Parents.
- Her role as Genevive in Emily in Paris is a sweet tie-in to her actual connection to her actual ethnicity.
Thalia Besson has garnered much attention and praise for her role as Genevive in Emily In Paris: Season 4.
Genevive, an American-born girl who comes to Paris, is Emily’s nemesis in the new season of the show.
Her major role in the second part of the show has captivated fans all around the globe.
Her appearance in Emily In Paris has some fans wondering about her true ethnicity behind the screen.
Thalia Besson Ethnicity: Born to French Directors Luc Besson and Virgine Besson-Silla
Thalia Besson was born on August 1, 2001, to Luc Besson and Virgine Besson-Silla.
Her father, Luc Besson is a French-born filmmaker, most notable for his movies Leon: The Professional and The Fifth Element.
Born in Paris to scuba-instructor parents, Luc initially wanted to become a marine biologist.
However, after a fatal accident at age 17 which left him unable to dive, he eventually changed his career choice and pursued filmmaking.
He went on to gain international fame with films like Léon: The Professional and The Fifth Element, showcasing his ability to blend action and emotions.
Besson directed other classic films like La Femme Nikita and the Taken series, which cemented him as one of Europe’s most influential directors.
Thalia Besson’s mother Virgine Besson-Silla is, like Luc, a director of French-Senegalese descent.
She was born in 1972, in Ottawa, Ontario to a Senegalese diplomat and a French physiotherapist.
Her most popular works are majorly collaborations with Luc Besson.
She has produced major films such as Lucy, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, and The Lady.
Besson-Silla is recognized for her work in high-budget, visually stunning sci-fi projects.
Her contributions have been integral to the success of EuropaCorp, a production company founded by her husband Luc.
Thalia Besson’s Parents Have Instilled The Art of Cinema In Their Daughter
Thalia’s vivid French-Senegalese heritage shines through in her appearance on and off the screen.
Her most recent involvement in Emily in Paris, is a neat full-circle moment, as she plays Genevive, an American fashion designer living and working in Paris.
It is a subtle nod to her actual heritage, albeit unknowingly executed.
Before Emily In Paris, Thalia also appeared in her parents’ movie Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets in 2017, Dangerous Waters (2023), and Arthur: Malediction (2022).
Her career reflects her French parents’ passion for cinema and the big screen.
In addition to acting, Thalia has followed in her parents’ footsteps and has taken a liking for filmmaking and directing.
On her Instagram @thaliabesson, she shared on July that she finished directing her second film.
Earlier the same month, she also said that her first film was ‘almost ready.’
Her creative endeavors are very reflective of her French heart and passion for film and cinema.
Thalia’s fans and followers are equally supportive of her and her endeavors.
One comment on her Instagram post says,
Fell in love w how beautiful you are on Emily in Paris omg!
VIA INSTAGRAM
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Virgine Besson-Silla is the sister-in-law of actor Vincent Perez.
- Luc Besson has married four times, including Virgine Besson-Silla.
- Thalia Besson has three siblings: Sateen, Juliette, and Shanna Besson.
