Patrick Bruel (born Patrick Benguigui, on May 14, 1959 in Tlemcen, Algeria) is a French singer, actor, and professional poker player.

Although Bruel aspired to be a football star as a youth, he decided to pursue singing after seeing Michel Sardou in 1975. However, he would first burst onto the acting scene in 1979's Le Coup de sirocco. He continued acting in films and on television while pursuing his singing career. His first single, Vide ("empty"), released in 1982 was not a success, but the followup, Marre de cette nana-là ("Fed up with that chick"), was a hit.

As of 2004 Bruel has been involved with more than 40 different television and film productions, five studio albums, and several live albums. His latest album, Entre Deux, featured Bruel as a chanson singer where he collaborated with numerous stars, including Charles Aznavour.

Bruel, in addition to acting and singing, is a world class professional poker player, though this is little known among the general French public. As of 2004 he has one World Series of Poker bracelet, from 1998, and over $650,000 in tournament poker winnings.

In 2003, he had his last name officially changed to Bruel, his stage name, before his partner Amanda Maruani, gave birth to his first child Oscar on August 19. On September 21, 2004, he wed the 24 year-old Amanda; he had never been married before.

External links

• Hendon Mob tournament results