Romane Portail: From Orléans to Léo Mattéï & Multi-Talented Artist
- Fans of the long-running French police procedural Léo Mattéï: Brigade des Mineurs have a reason to celebrate.
- Portail’s connection to the region is particularly strong.
- Portail’s journey to television began with a strong foundation in theatre.
Fans of the long-running French police procedural Léo Mattéï: Brigade des Mineurs have a reason to celebrate. The series returns to TF1 this , at 21:10 with a new season promising fresh cases of kidnapping, disappearance, and harassment, alongside guest appearances woven into the investigations. Among the familiar faces is Romane Portail, who portrays Manon Da Costa, and whose roots run deep in the Loire Valley region of France.
From Orléans Restaurant to the Small Screen
Portail’s connection to the region is particularly strong. She grew up in Combleux, near Orléans, at her mother’s restaurant, La Marine, which operated for over twenty-five years. Despite a career that takes her between Paris, Los Angeles, and London, she maintains a close tie to her hometown, frequently returning with her son. “I love that area,” Portail shared. “I even thought about moving back there at one point.” She describes a nostalgic fondness for the small houses by the water, a beauty she didn’t fully appreciate until later in life.
A Foundation in the Arts
Portail’s journey to television began with a strong foundation in theatre. She initially took classes with the Clin d’Oeil company and at the Théâtre de la Tête Noire, followed by formal studies at the Conservatory of Dramatic Arts of Orléans from ages 16 to 18 under the direction of Jean-Claude Cotillard. This led to acceptance at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Techniques du Théâtre (ENSATT) in Lyon, a three-year program offering tuition-free training. “You learn to sing, dance, use your voice, pronunciation. You learn a lot, a lot of things,” she explained.
Following ENSATT, Portail moved to Paris, landing her first theatrical role in Arnaud Denis’ production of Voltaire’s “L’ingénu” (The Huron). She subsequently found an agent and began working primarily in television, appearing in numerous programs for French networks TF1, France 2, and France 3. A notable early role was alongside Bernard Tapie in the play “Les Montagnes Russes.”
Beyond Léo Mattéï: A Multifaceted Artist
Portail’s current role as Marion Da Costa in Léo Mattéï marks her fifth or sixth season with the series. She describes the current cast, including newcomers Louvia Bachelier and Gwendal Marimotou, as a “human and pleasant” team. “It’s a pleasure to play with them. This new team brings a new energy that is just as friendly as the old brigade. If the series continues, I’d be happy to continue the adventure.”
However, acting is only one facet of Portail’s creative pursuits. She is also a sculptor, modeler, and illustrator. She is preparing for an exhibition in Combleux, scheduled to begin the weekend of , at the town hall, showcasing her sculptures alongside the photography of Yvan Moreau. She is the author of the children’s book “Les sons chez papa, les sons chez maman,” available on Amazon, and is currently working on a second book.
“It’s a profession where you can’t wait for the phone to ring, because if you do, you can’t be happy,” Portail stated. “You have to have a lot of projects that nourish you. And then, it’s nice to be the artist creator yourself.”