Thomas Jolly is a French actor, comedian, and director of theater and opera, known for his bold and innovative approach to contemporary theater. Born in 1982 in Rouen, he founded the company La Piccola Familia in 2006, quickly gaining attention for his original and often monumental productions. In 2014, his adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry VI, an 18-hour theatrical marathon, was praised by critics and solidified his reputation. Jolly went on to direct and perform in numerous plays, standing out for his ability to revisit classic works with contemporary energy, making theater accessible to a wide audience. In 2022, he directed a new production of Starmania, the iconic rock opera by Michel Berger and Luc Plamondon, which enjoyed tremendous international success and further boosted his renown. Awarded multiple Molières in 2023 (France's theater awards), Jolly has established a unique style, blending striking visual aesthetics with emotional depth. In 2022, Thomas Jolly was also selected as the artistic director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony, held on July 26, was the largest urban show ever staged, taking place for the first time outside a stadium along the Seine in Paris. This unprecedented event attracted 600,000 spectators and nearly 2 billion viewers worldwide, setting a record for French television viewership with nearly 25 million viewers. Dedicated to renewing the theater scene, he continues to inspire and surprise with his artistic choices, championing French performing arts.