I just spent the best eight minutes of my life listening to the beautiful Omar Sy speak with his adorable French accent on Jimmy Kimmel. Some days I really love my job. Omar appeared on Jimmy Kimmel to discuss Lupin’s second season, which was released on Netflix last Friday. Lupin is the most popular foreign language show on Netflix in the United States. Omar, who is Senegalese and from France, told Jimmy that he tried to learn how to speak English while watching CNN when he moved to the U.S. with his family. He said that the commentators were speaking too fast and he couldn’t keep up. So Omar decided to flip through the channels. Omar learned how to speak English by watching Keeping up with the Kardashians. Here are a few highlights:
He learned English from watching Keeping up with The Kardashians
When I came here I tried to learn English. I started to watch TV and I watched CNN. They were talking so fast. I tried another channel and I started with the Kardashians. It was easier to understand.
On trying to keep French traditions with his family
I speak French at home, I try to cook French cuisine, Senagalese cuisine. I think my kids are 60% American, 30% French, 10% Senagalese. It’s a real fight.
On how popular Lupin is in France
He’s part of a culture. We grew up with all the books, we have a lot of shows, even movies. I play a character who is inspired by the book. We gave the book a place in our show. It is a character itself.
I am cringing a bit that watching the Kardashians was how Omar learned how to speak English. They are not a good example of English speakers. However it would seem that Omar has expanded on his English language skills because he speaks it better than the whole Kardashian clan.
I am so excited that Lupin is doing so well in the U.S. I feel that it will open even more doors for Omar in the English speaking market. He is already hugely popular in France. I love a good crossover star. Did I mention that Omar is nice on the eyes? I think it is awesome that Omar is infusing all parts of his culture into his everyday life so that he can expose his children to his French and Senegalese roots. I also think it is hilarious that Omar said his kids are mostly American. I know I will be watching Lupin part deux this weekend because I love the show. But I must admit, I also love looking at Omar Sy.
Full interview:
Photos via Instagram and credit: Emmanuel Guimier for Netflix
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