Jacky Ido has always stood out in the world of cinema, whether he was embodying the fierce Maasai warrior Lemalian in his breakout role in Die Weisse Massai (2005), or delivering a chilling performance as an executioner in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds (2009). Jacky Ido had a screen presence that was both magnetic and unforgettable—something not many actors can claim. Over the years, Jacky Ido has built a reputation as a versatile performer who moves effortlessly between European and American productions, earning him a unique place in international film.

Born in 1977 in Burkina Faso, Jacky Ido didn’t start out in front of the camera. In fact, his artistic journey began on a different stage altogether—slam poetry. Back in 2004, Jacky Ido teamed up with French poet Fabien Marsaud, performing under the name John Pucc’Chocolat at the Cafe Culturel de Saint-Denis in Paris. It was a monthly gig that helped sharpen his voice, both literally and artistically, setting the foundation for what would come next.

His transition to acting felt almost inevitable. Jacky Ido’s first major role came in 2005 when he portrayed Lemalian in Hermine Huntgeburth’s emotionally charged Die Weisse Massai. That performance opened doors. Though he took on a few minor television roles early on, it was his part in the 2007 miniseries Bitter Tropics, a sweeping 18th-century romance, that began to solidify his standing in the industry. From there, Jacky Ido continued to build momentum, appearing in more TV projects and landing a significant role in the acclaimed French short film Bunker (2008).

Then came 2009—a turning point. Jacky Ido stepped into the global spotlight with Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino’s bold reimagining of World War II. As Marcel, the intense projectionist determined to assassinate Hitler, Jacky Ido brought a quiet ferocity that captivated audiences and critics alike. It was his introduction to Hollywood, and it made quite the impression.

In the years that followed, Jacky Ido balanced his time between continents, taking on diverse roles in European films like What War May Bring (2010) and the lighthearted French comedy Radiostars (2012). But his transatlantic appeal didn’t go unnoticed. In 2014, Jacky Ido made his mark on American television with Taxi Brooklyn on NBC, playing Leo Ramba, a street-smart immigrant taxi driver. The series was based on Luc Besson’s popular Taxi franchise, which had seen mixed results in its earlier American adaptation starring Jimmy Fallon and Queen Latifah. Jacky Ido, however, brought a fresh energy and authenticity to the role, proving once again why he remains such a compelling figure on screen.

Throughout his career, Jacky Ido has consistently demonstrated range, depth, and a rare ability to connect across cultures. Whether in front of a live poetry audience or on a film set halfway around the world, Jacky Ido continues to leave a lasting impact—one performance at a time.

Ready to explore the world✈

Ready to explore the world✈