Patrick Chesnais (born March 2, 1947) is a French actor with a long and prolific career in cinema, theater, and television. Recognized for his versatility, he has often excelled in portraying complex and multifaceted characters: from the "everyman" with melancholic undertones to more ambiguous figures or, conversely, profoundly human and vulnerable ones.

Among his most significant roles is his performance in Michel Deville's *La Lectrice* (1988). He received significant recognition, winning the César Award for Best Supporting Actor for his moving performance in Julian Schnabel's *The Diving Bell and the Butterfly* (2007). He also shone in films such as *Don't Worry, I'm Fine* (2006) and in numerous comedies, including *The Zebra* (1992), demonstrating a wide range of registers and a subtle yet incisive stage presence.