Simon Catillon is
a versatile French actor, director & screenwriter based in New York.
He began his acting career in Paris, performing lead roles in both classical and contemporary plays.
Since relocating to New York, Simon has worked on various projects, including short films, series, and stage performances. He made his off-Broadway debut in the play Small Acts of Daring Invention.
His short film Lucien—which he wrote, directed, and starred in—earned numerous accolades, including the Best Actor Award at the New York International Film Awards in August 2024.
From stage to screen
Trained at the prestigious Cours Florent in Paris, Simon Catillon has brought his talents to both classical and contemporary theater.
His portrayal of Demetrius in a modern adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was particularly noted for the vibrant energy he imbued into the character.
Simon’s passion for mime and puppetry, art forms deeply rooted in French culture, has shaped his unique acting style. He effortlessly shifts between subtlety and slapstick, lightness and drama, all while maintaining his natural sense of self-mockery.
Renowned for his transformative ability, Simon has a remarkable talent for playing multiple characters within a single production.
He intertwines introspective depth with physical intensity, consistently delivering compelling, unexpected narratives that blur genre boundaries.
In 2017, he co-wrote Unusual Suspects (Enquête d’amour), a play that blends classical theater, thriller, comedy, and absurdism. It garnered critical acclaim in Paris, and Simon’s dual portrayal of two contrasting characters was praised for its complexity.
Simon chose to express the many facets of his creativity in the U.S., with a focus on screen acting and directing.
He holds two associate degrees from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and completed a filmmaking program at NYU. His expertise in stunts, stage combat, fencing, and fitness racing adds dynamic physicality to his craft.
His European sensibility, combined with American film techniques, gives his work a singular voice.
His work as a director
As a director and screenwriter, Simon Catillon creates intense, unconventional emotional landscapes.
His short films Lullaby, Good Night Bob and Three Sisters are emblematic of his work. They are characterized by their visual elegance. Simon uses a colorful aesthetic, intended to reflect the inner world of his characters.
Lucien, in which he also plays the title role, is particularly noted for its nostalgic atmosphere and poetic undertones.
The film has received accolades at several international festivals, including Best Silent Film at the New York International Film Awards (August 2024) and an Honorable Mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (2024).
Latest news and upcoming projects
