Léon Hesby, the 20-year-old son of French music icon Patrick Bruel and writer-director Amanda Sthers, is making a name for himself on both sides of the Atlantic. In a recent interview on Radio RCJ, the young singer-songwriter and actor spoke candidly about his dual Franco-American identity, his evolving music style, and his growing career in France and the United States. "The goal is not to hide who I am," he explained. "It would be a shame to pretend to be only American."

Growing Up Between Two Worlds

Born in 2005 to parents with thriving careers in France and the United States, Léon Hesby experienced a childhood split between Los Angeles, where he currently resides, and his father's native France. His mother, Amanda Sthers, is a best-selling author and filmmaker, while his father, Patrick Bruel, is one of France's most beloved singers and actors. Despite their fame, Léon has worked to carve his own path, acknowledging the influence of both cultures on his artistry.

His early exposure to French chanson and American pop music shaped his eclectic taste. From listening to his father's classic hits like "Casser la voix" to discovering Drake, The Weeknd, and Benson Boone, Léon developed a hybrid musical sensibility that now defines his work.

A Musical Journey: From Pop to Alternative Rock

At age 17, Léon released his debut single, "One, Two, Three" — a pop-urban track that introduced his voice to the public. Remarkably, the song dropped on the same day he had to sit for the baccalaureate exam, a balancing act that showed his early commitment to his music career. Three years later, his sound has evolved. Now, he leans heavily into pop-rock and alternative rock influences, a shift he feels is more authentic to his identity.

His latest single, "Rooftop of Your House," co-written with a producer in Los Angeles in October 2024, represents this new direction. "It's really the song I'm most proud of," Léon told the radio host. The track showcases his growth as a songwriter and his ability to blend catchy melodies with introspective lyrics.

Living in Los Angeles places him in the heart of the global music industry. He regularly attends open-mic nights and writes with local producers, soaking up the city's creative energy. Yet he stays connected to French artistic traditions, often writing and singing in both English and French. "We'll see what makes sense timing-wise. Both languages work for me," he noted.

Connecting with French Audiences

Although based in the United States, Léon Hesby is actively building his career in France. On June 26, 2025, he served as the opening act for Marine, winner of the fourth season of the French reality singing competition "Star Academy," at the Festival des Sables-d'Olonne. The experience was profoundly rewarding. "I was very well received by the festival and by the people. There was a real connection with the audience," he recalled. "I sang in English and in French."

This bilingual performance underscores his commitment to honoring his heritage while appealing to international listeners. He wants his French fans to see him as one of their own, even as he explores opportunities abroad.

Acting: The Next Frontier

Music is not Léon's only artistic outlet. He has also ventured into acting, appearing in "Promises," a film directed by his mother Amanda Sthers, and more recently in the American comedy series "La Trattoria The Show." These roles have allowed him to express himself beyond the recording studio, while also building a portfolio of credits independent of his parents' legacies.

Acting offers a different kind of storytelling, one that he approaches with the same humility and determination he brings to music. "I'm still learning," he admitted. "But every performance helps me understand myself better."

The Weight of a Famous Name

Being the child of Patrick Bruel and Amanda Sthers comes with expectations and comparisons. Léon acknowledges that he might not have gotten the same opportunities without his family connections, but he insists on being judged on his own merits. His strategy is simple: stay authentic. "The goal is never to hide who I am," he reiterated.

Industry observers note that navigating dual cultures can be a strength in a globalized entertainment landscape. Léon's ability to seamlessly switch between languages and cultural references positions him as a unique new voice. He is neither fully American nor fully French; he is a hybrid, and he wears that label with pride.

His father, Patrick Bruel, has publicly supported his son's journey. In past interviews, Bruel has expressed admiration for Léon's talent and drive, recognizing that his son is forging a distinct identity. "He has his own path," Bruel said in a recent interview. "And I respect that."

Looking Ahead

With new music in the pipeline and more live performances planned in both countries, Léon Hesby is steadily building momentum. He continues to write material that reflects his life between two worlds, exploring themes of identity, love, and ambition. The open-mic scene in Los Angeles keeps him grounded, while French festivals like the one in Les Sables-d'Olonne remind him of his roots.

He also has his eye on larger venues and perhaps a debut album, though he is cautious about rushing. "I want to do it right," he explained. "Every song should feel like me." This dedication to authenticity is likely to serve him well as he navigates the complexities of a bi-cultural career.

As he moves forward, Léon Hesby embodies the next generation of artists who reject borders — musical, linguistic, or geographical. His story is a testament to the power of embracing all parts of one's identity, even when those parts seem to pull in different directions.

Source:MSN News