Meet Timothée Chalamet’s Parents: Marc Chalamet and Nicole Flender

Timothée Chalamet has risen to fame with his captivating performances in films such as Call Me by Your Name, Dune, and The King, earning recognition as one of Hollywood’s most talented young actors.

Born Timothée Hal Chalamet on December 27, 1995, in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York City, he comes from a culturally rich background. His father, Marc Chalamet, is French, while his mother, Nicole Flender, is of Russian and Austrian Jewish descent. Although his religious heritage is tied to his mother’s Jewish roots, Timothée has not publicly emphasized a particular faith.

Raised in a creative and supportive household, he was influenced by his parents’ artistic pursuits—his father, a writer and editor, and his mother, a former dancer and actress turned real estate agent. His older sister, Pauline Chalamet, has also made a name for herself as an actress and writer. Spending summers in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, with his father’s family, he became fluent in French and developed a deep connection to his European roots.

Timothée honed his acting skills at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York. He briefly attended Columbia University to study cultural anthropology before transferring to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, ultimately leaving to pursue his acting career fully.

With his unique blend of talent, charisma, and cultural influences, Timothée Chalamet continues to delight audiences worldwide. Behind his success are his parents, Marc Chalamet and Nicole Flender—two accomplished individuals whose diverse backgrounds and creative spirits have undoubtedly shaped his journey.

Marc Chalamet

Marc Chalamet, Timothée’s father, brings a rich cultural heritage to the family. Born in France, he comes from a lineage that blends French and American influences.

He grew up in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, a small town known for its historical role as a refuge for those fleeing persecution during World War II. This background likely fostered a deep appreciation for history and resilience—values that may have subtly influenced Timothée’s introspective approach to his craft.

Professionally, Marc built a career as a writer and editor with a strong focus on journalism. He worked for organizations such as UNICEF, contributing to reports and publications highlighting global issues. His career reflects a combination of intellectual depth and a passion for storytelling—qualities that mirror Timothée’s dedication to portraying complex characters on screen.

Marc’s French heritage also played a practical role in his son’s career; Timothée’s fluency in French, developed through summers spent with his father’s family, helped him land bilingual roles, including his performance in The French Dispatch.

Though Marc prefers to stay out of the spotlight, his quiet support for Timothée is unmistakable. He has been seen attending premieres and events alongside his son, offering a steady presence behind the scenes.

Timothée has spoken fondly of his father in interviews, crediting him with nurturing his curiosity and independence—qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to his artistic growth.

Nicole Flender

On the maternal side, Nicole Flender brings a vibrant artistic spirit to the Chalamet family. Born and raised in New York City, she was immersed in the performing arts from a young age.

A trained dancer and actress, she attended the prestigious High School of Performing Arts—famously depicted in Fame—before earning her degree from Vassar College. Her career took her to Broadway, where she performed in productions like Hello, Dolly! alongside theatre legends such as Carol Channing. Beyond the stage, she also appeared in television roles and later transitioned into real estate, demonstrating her versatility and entrepreneurial drive.

Nicole’s influence on Timothée is undeniable, especially in his love for acting. Growing up in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, he was deeply connected to the city’s theatre scene, partly thanks to his mother’s encouragement and industry ties.

Creativity runs in the family—her sister, Amy Flender, is a documentary filmmaker, and her uncle, Harold Flender, was a screenwriter. Timothée has often credited his mother for fostering his artistic ambitions, from enrolling him in acting classes to supporting his early auditions.

Beyond her creative pursuits, Nicole is known for her warmth and playful energy. Timothée has shared stories of her spontaneous dancing around the house, offering a glimpse into the lively environment that shaped his upbringing.