Jeanne Goursaud, born on April 4, 1996, in Pinneberg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, is a German-French actress who has swiftly risen to prominence in both European and global entertainment. With her compelling performances, multilingual versatility, and magnetic screen presence, Goursaud has become a standout talent, captivating audiences in projects like Netflix’s Barbarians and Exterritorial. Her dual heritage—born to a German mother and a French father—has shaped her unique ability to navigate diverse roles across cultures and languages, making her a true cross-cultural chameleon.
Early Life and Path to Acting
Goursaud grew up in Halstenbek, a small town near Hamburg, where her passion for performance was evident from a young age. Alongside her sister, she staged plays in their backyard, hinting at her natural flair for storytelling. Her formal training began at the TASK Schauspielschule für Kinder und Jugendliche in Cologne, where she honed her craft from 2006 to 2014. She later supplemented her education with classes under renowned acting coach Ivana Chubbuck in 2018. Fluent in German, French, and English, Goursaud’s linguistic skills have been a cornerstone of her versatility, allowing her to take on roles in multiple markets with ease.
Her early foray into the entertainment industry wasn’t limited to acting. In 2012, at just 16, Goursaud became the face of Johnson & Johnson’s Bebe Young Care cosmetics brand, showcasing her marketability as a model. That same year, she made her television debut with guest roles in German series such as Die Pfefferkörner and Neues aus Büttenwarder, marking the start of a prolific career.
Breakthrough Roles and International Recognition
Goursaud’s career gained momentum with her English-language debut in 2015, playing the recurring character Emma in the second season of the German-Australian series In Your Dreams on 7two. Her performance caught the attention of international audiences, setting the stage for bigger opportunities. In 2016, she appeared as Bibi in the award-winning German comedy series Der Lehrer, further cementing her reputation in her home country.
Her first significant cinematic role came in 2018 when she was scouted for Clint Eastwood’s The 15:17 to Paris, where she played a small but memorable part as a French girl. This experience, coupled with her time living in Paris to refine her French, underscored her ability to work seamlessly across borders. That same year, she appeared in the German comedy Bullyparade: The Movie, showcasing her comedic chops alongside Michael Herbig.
The turning point in Goursaud’s career arrived in 2020 with her starring role as Thusnelda, a fierce Cheruscan noblewoman, in Netflix’s historical war drama Barbarians. The series, centered on the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, became a global hit, streamed over 37 million times in its first four weeks. Goursaud’s portrayal of Thusnelda—a warrior navigating love, loyalty, and rebellion—was lauded for its intensity and authenticity, earning her widespread acclaim. The role required her to endure physically demanding shoots, including filming in the Hungarian winter in minimal costume, a testament to her dedication.
Expanding Horizons: From Barbarians to Exterritorial
Following Barbarians, Goursaud continued to build her portfolio with diverse roles. In 2023, she starred in Paramount+’s The Chemistry of Death, a psychological thriller that showcased her ability to bring depth to complex characters. Critics praised her ability to stand out even in projects with challenging pacing, highlighting her “surgical precision” in delivering nuanced performances.
In 2025, Goursaud took on the lead role of Sara Wulf in Netflix’s action thriller Exterritorial, directed by Christian Zübert. Playing a military veteran searching for her missing son, she delivered a physically and emotionally demanding performance that critics hailed as a career-defining moment. The film topped Netflix charts in the US and ranked in the Top 10 in over 80 countries, including Germany, France, and the UK. Her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability in the role earned her rave reviews and a Best Actress award at the 2024 Pax Massilia Thriller Awards for her work in the series Pax Massilia.
Other notable projects include her roles in Para – We Are King (2020), where her restrained yet magnetic performance stood out, and appearances in Dear Child, Blood Coast, and the upcoming Kabul (2025). Her versatility extends to lighter roles, as seen in The Three Exclamation Marks and Klassentreffen 1.0, demonstrating her range across genres.
Personal Style and Public Persona
Beyond her acting, Goursaud has cultivated a strong presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where she engages with over 160,000 followers through behind-the-scenes content and partnerships with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior Beauty, and Bulgari. Her charm, described as an “infectious energy,” resonates both on and off the screen. She is managed by Above the Line GmbH and .martensgarten, agencies that have helped steer her toward high-profile projects.
Goursaud’s personal life remains private, with no confirmed details about her relationships. As of 2023, she was reportedly single, focusing on her career and travels. A self-professed travel enthusiast, she enjoys exploring new countries with friends and has expressed a humorous struggle with keeping plants alive while traveling. Her down-to-earth personality and sharp wit—evident in interviews where she debunks stereotypes about German humor and French baguette clichés—endear her to fans and media alike.
Craft and Philosophy
Goursaud’s approach to acting is rooted in curiosity and discipline. She values roles that challenge her to explore new worlds and facets of herself, often choosing projects that demand emotional and physical commitment. Critics have noted her restraint and precision, describing her as an actress who “listens in scenes” and “reacts without overreacting.” Her multilingual skills allow her to switch emotional registers seamlessly, making her a sought-after talent in an increasingly global industry.
Her training and experiences have equipped her with a diverse skill set, including modern dance, hip-hop, cheerleading, and alpine skiing, which she has incorporated into physically demanding roles. Goursaud’s ability to inhabit characters without overshadowing the narrative has earned her nominations and recognition, particularly for elevating genre projects like Barbarians and The Chemistry of Death.
Looking Ahead
At just 29, Jeanne Goursaud has already built an impressive career, with a net worth estimated between $1 million and $3 million as of 2023. Her trajectory suggests she is far from slowing down. With upcoming projects like Kabul (2025) and a growing international fanbase, Goursaud is poised to become a leading figure in global cinema. Her goal, as shared in a 2025 interview with FACES Magazin, is to continue taking on challenging roles while maintaining her health and happiness—perhaps with a side mission to keep a plant alive.
Jeanne Goursaud’s journey from a small town in Schleswig-Holstein to Netflix’s global stage is a testament to her talent, resilience, and cross-cultural appeal. Whether wielding a sword in Barbarians or navigating high-stakes action in Exterritorial, she continues to prove that she doesn’t just star in projects—she elevates them.
