Tess Barthélémy: at 21, Judith Godrèches daughter takes her place in the big cinema family

Tess Barthélémy celebrates her 21st birthday this Sunday, April 19. Daughter of Judith Godrèche and Maurice Barthélemy, the young woman is gradually making a name for herself in the eyes of the public. Between first roles and involvement alongside her mother, she is making her own path. This year, she is expected to make waves with her role in the adaptation of “Memory of a girl” by Annie Ernaux, directed by Judith Godrèche. An ambitious project that could mark a turning point in her young career.

Born on April 19, 2005, the actress grew up in a deeply cinematic environment. Her parents, prominent figures in French audiovisual landscape, separated in 2012 but remained present in her journey. Tess Barthélémy also has a half-brother named Noé, born from the union of Judith Godrèche and Dany Boon, who thrives in music. She flew to Los Angeles with her mother at a young age, away from the spotlight, following a complete artistic training including dance, theater, and writing. It quickly became clear to her that her passion was to “embody someone” on stage.

Tess Barthélémy: looking back on her early cinema career in the family

In 2015, Tess Barthélémy took her first steps in cinema in “Pas très normales activités,” a comedy directed by her father. An unexpected role as she played a talking pig. She then followed up with “Under the Eiffel Tower” by Archie Borders, written by her mother, confirming a first family experience in cinema. But it was with the series “Icon of French Cinema,” broadcast on Arte, that she truly revealed herself to the public. She portrayed Judith Godrèche in a story inspired by her life, playing a teenager searching for identity, attracted to an older man. A direct echo to her mother’s personal story, leaving a lasting impression.

In May 2024, at just 19 years old, Tess Barthélémy reached a significant milestone by walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. She accompanied her mother who was presenting her short film “Me Too.” Her half-brother, Noé, was also present. The project shed light on victims of abuse and assaults. On screen, the young woman embodied the youth the film spoke to. On the red carpet, she drew all eyes in an elegant black dress and made a powerful statement. Beside the team, she crossed her hands in front of her mouth, symbolizing the liberation of victims’ voices. A fashion-forward and activist appearance, showcasing her stance.

Support and commitment: Tess Barthélémy and her mother Judith Godrèche form a close-knit duo

The year 2024 marked a turning point. After Judith Godrèche made accusations against Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, the actress publicly spoke out. In this process, Tess played a crucial role. Thinking of her now adult daughter, Judith Godrèche fully realized what she had experienced as a teenager. She expressed her desire to protect her own generation and those to come, fearing that Tess might face a similar situation one day. Discreet yet present, the young actress became an essential support during numerous public speeches and events, from the César Awards to the Cannes Film Festival.

In March 2024, the two women appeared on the set of “C à vous.” Anne-Elisabeth Lemoine asked Tess: “Are you supporting your mother in this fight, in this short film, and behind the scenes. Is this fight now yours too, Tess?” In complete sincerity, she responded: “We are very close with my mother. When something happens in our parents’ lives that takes up space, of course, it becomes part of mine. So, I will be there to support her, to amplify what she says.” More recently, they were seen together at Paris Fashion Week, at the Acne Studios fashion show, displaying undeniable complicity and coordinated outfits.