Christopher Lambert: The Highlander Who Refused to Fade

From immortal warriors to mysterious villains — the French-American icon still brings the edge.

🛡️ The Man Behind the Sword

Christopher Lambert, born March 29, 1957, in Great Neck, New York, is a French-American actor and producer best known for his role as Connor MacLeod in Highlander (1986) — the cult classic about immortals who battle across centuries. With his gravelly voice, steely stare, and mystique, Lambert became a mainstay in action, sci-fi, and fantasy films of the ’80s and ’90s.

Though Highlander cemented his fame, Lambert’s filmography spans Hollywood, European cinema, and even the world of TV procedurals like NCIS: Los Angeles.

🎬 Signature Roles

Lambert’s range went beyond action; he often played haunted antiheroes, cold-hearted villains, or enigmatic leaders. His unique screen presence — a mix of European elegance and rugged mystery — made him a natural for both epic fantasy and contemporary thrillers.

😈 NCIS: Los Angeles – The Chameleon

One of Lambert’s most surprising — and sinister — roles came on NCIS: Los Angeles as Marcel Janvier, aka “The Chameleon,” a ruthless and manipulative international criminal. Introduced in Season 3, Janvier proved to be one of the team’s most intelligent and dangerous adversaries.

💬 “You can’t catch him — you can only survive him.” – Hetty Lange, NCIS: LA

Lambert brought chilling sophistication to the character, who returned multiple times across seasons in a cat-and-mouse arc with Callen (Chris O’Donnell). His icy performance reminded fans that he could still dominate the screen — without swinging a sword.

🌍 Born Between Two Worlds

• Born in New York but raised in Geneva, Switzerland, Lambert holds dual citizenship.

• He speaks English and French fluently, and has acted in both languages across Europe and North America.

❤️ Personal Life

Lambert was once married to actress Diane Lane (1988–1994), with whom he has a daughter. He later had a high-profile relationship with Italian actress Sophie Marceau.

Beyond acting, Lambert is involved in winemaking and film production, with interests in European cinema and independent film development.

🎞️ Recent Appearances & Legacy

Even as his leading man days faded, Lambert remained active in:

• 🎥 Diverse international films, including thrillers and comedies.

• 📺 Guest roles, with NCIS: Los Angeles marking a standout performance in TV villainy.

• ⚔️ Highlander fandom, frequently attending conventions and hinting at his blessing for the upcoming Highlander reboot starring Henry Cavill.

🧾 Quick Facts

• 🏛️ Studied acting at the Paris Conservatory.

• 🎮 Voiced Raiden in Mortal Kombat games and remains a fan-favorite casting.

• 🏴‍☠️ Played real historical figures, from Tarzan to Kings.

• 🔥 Still mentioned in casting fan polls for characters like Magneto or Dracula.

🗨️ “Characters like Janvier or MacLeod, they aren’t just roles — they’re mythologies. And as an actor, that’s the greatest playground.” — Christopher Lambert