Sami Outalbali is a celebrated French actor and model who has gained international acclaim for his compelling performances in film and television. Born on March 19, 1999, in Poissy, Yvelines, France, he stepped in front of the camera at a remarkably young age. Over the years, he transitioned from a child actor into a versatile performer recognized globally for playing Rahim Harrak in the hit Netflix series Education, alongside standout roles in French cinematic and streaming hits like Mortel and A Tale of Love and Desire.
Sami Outalbali: Quick Facts & Wiki Overview
A quick glance at the essential biographical facts reveals the background of this rising international star:
- Full Name: Sami Outalbali
- Date of Birth: March 19, 1999
- Age: 26 years old
- Place of Birth: Poissy, Yvelines, France
- Hometown / Upbringing: Verneuil-sur-Seine, France
- Nationality: French
- Ethnicity: Moroccan and French-Guadeloupean
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg)
- Occupation: Actor and Model
- Net Worth: Estimated between $500,000 and $1 million
Early Life, Parents, and Education
Sami Outalbali was born in Poissy and raised in Verneuil-sur-Seine within a multicultural household. His father is of Moroccan descent, while his mother is of French-Guadeloupean heritage. Growing up surrounded by diverse cultural influences, Sami developed an early passion for the creative arts. At just three years old, he appeared in a Disney advertisement, marking his very first taste of the entertainment industry.
He pursued his interest in the performing arts with dedication, engaging in theater workshops and minor screen tests during his formative years. Rather than following a conventional academic route, his early professional immersion in television and film served as his practical training ground, paving the way for a swift rise in French cinema and television.
Acting Career Breakthroughs and International Recognition
Outalbali made his official on-screen acting debut in the 2006 France 3 television film Il faut sauver Saïd. Following this, he appeared in various minor television and film roles, including a part in the 2011 comedy film The Tuche Family (Les Tuche) as Jean-Wa, and appearances in Vive la colo! and Sam.
His major television breakthrough came when he was cast as Ilyes, a gay high school student coming to terms with his s*xuality, in the OCS teen drama series Grown Ups (Les Grands; 2016-2019), created by Vianney Lebasque. This role established him as a talented young dramatic actor in France.
International stardom followed when he joined the cast of the Netflix comedy-drama series Education during its second season in 2020. Marking his English-speaking television debut, Outalbali portrayed Rahim Harrack, a French exchange student who becomes a key love interest for Eric Effiong (played by Ncuti Gatwa). He reprised his role in the third series, cementing his global fanbase.
Notable Movies and TV Shows
Sami Outalbali’s filmography spans across a wide variety of genres, from gritty supernatural dramas to romantic masterpieces:
- Il faut sauver Saïd (2006) – Child actor debut
- The Tuche Family (2011) – As Jean-Wa
- Grown Ups / Les Grands (2016-2019) – As Ilyes
- Fiertés (2018) – As Sélim
- Mortel (2019-2021) – As Reda Kada
- Lola (2019) – As Samir
- Education (2020-2022) – As Rahim Harrack
- A Tale of Love and Desire (2021) – As Ahmed Ouannas
- Novembre (2022) – As Kader
- B.R.I. (2023) – As Rayan
- Culte (2024) – As Karim
- Heureux Gagnants (2024) – As Ahmed
- Classe moyenne (2025) – As Mehdi
- Les Lionnes (2026) – As Malik
Critical Acclaim and Awards
In 2021, Outalbali delivered one of the most powerful performances of his career starring as Ahmed Ouannas in Leyla Bouzid’s romantic drama film A Tale of Love and Desire. The film premiered in the Critics’ Week section of the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. His portrayal of a young French man of Algerian origin experiencing a profound s*xual awakening earned him widespread critical acclaim.
His performance yielded several prestigious award recognitions:
- Won: Valois for Best Actor at the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival (2021) for A Tale of Love and Desire
- Nominated: César Award for Most Promising Actor (2022)
- Nominated: Lumière Award for Most Promising Male Actor (2022)
Additionally, in April 2022, Outalbali expanded his industry footprint by serving as a member of the official jury at the 5th Canneseries festival in Cannes.
Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Sami Outalbali stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and maintains an athletic weight of roughly 154 pounds (70 kg). His distinct look, sharp features, and strong physical presence have also allowed him to venture successfully into the world of fashion modeling and advertising campaigns.
Net Worth and Financial Earnings
As of 2025, Sami Outalbali holds an estimated net worth ranging between $500,000 and $1 million. His primary sources of income derive from his extensive acting work across major television series, feature films, and streaming platforms like Netflix. Additional revenue streams include high-profile fashion modeling partnerships and brand endorsement campaigns.
Personal Life and Relationship Status
Sami Outalbali maintains a guarded and private personal life. While rumors and fan speculation frequently surround his romantic status, he has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse. He prefers to keep the focus of public discussions strictly centered around his professional projects. Outside of acting, he is an avid reader-particularly fond of works by author Amin Maalouf-and takes a keen interest in fashion, contemporary cinema, and creative arts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sami Outalbali
How old is Sami Outalbali?
Sami Outalbali was born on March 19, 1999. As of 2025, he is 26 years old (turning 27 in March).
Where was Sami Outalbali born?
He was born in Poissy, Yvelines, France, and grew up in nearby Verneuil-sur-Seine.
What is Sami Outalbali’s most famous role?
He achieved international fame for portraying Rahim Harrack in the Netflix original comedy-drama series Education and for playing Ilyes in the French series Grown Ups.
Is Sami Outalbali in a relationship?
Sami keeps his dating life very private and has not publicly announced whether he has a girlfriend or boyfriend.
What is Sami Outalbali’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, earned through his acting career, modeling, and brand collaborations.
Does Sami Outalbali have social media?
Yes, he is active on Instagram (@samioutalbali), where he shares professional updates, modeling campaigns, and glimpses into his creative life with hundreds of thousands of followers.
