The Day of the Jackal Cast: Discover the Actors in this Thriller Movie

Nameless, faceless... relentlessly moving towards the date with death that would rock the world.

Released on May 16, 1973
Action Thriller

In the gripping thriller 'The Day of the Jackal,' an enigmatic international assassin, known merely as ‘The Jackal,’ becomes the focal point of a high-stakes plot. Portrayed masterfully by Edward Fox, The Jackal is a cold, calculated professional tasked with an audacious mission: to eliminate French President Charles de Gaulle. Motivated by the dissatisfaction and ambitions of disillusioned French military leaders, the story plunges viewers into a world of political intrigue and dangerous conspiracies, as this hitman navigates a complex web of international tensions and personal motives.

Opposing The Jackal is a determined gendarme, portrayed by the talented Terence Alexander. This dedicated law enforcement officer is relentlessly hot on the trail of the assassin, as he works to thwart the impending assassination that could have grave consequences for France and beyond. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between the two characters drives much of the tension in the film, showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice against a backdrop of political chaos. The gendarme’s unwavering commitment to his duty adds depth to the narrative and highlights the stakes involved in protecting a nation’s leader.

As the clock ticks down to the fateful day of the assassination, viewers are treated to a suspenseful and meticulously crafted story that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths individuals will go to for their beliefs. The film brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the 1960s, drawing audiences into a narrative rich with historical context and moral ambiguity. 'The Day of the Jackal' stands out not just as a thrilling cinematic experience, but also as a commentary on the nature of power and the shadows that lurk behind political ambitions.

Full Cast of The Day of the Jackal

Edward Fox

as The Jackal

Edward Fox's portrayal of the enigmatic and meticulous assassin known as The Jackal in the 1973 film "The Day of the Jackal" is a masterclass in understated intensity and charismatic villainy. Fox embodies the character with a chilling precision, crafting a performance that is both compelling and unsettling. His Jackal is a man of few words, conveying menace through a calm demeanor and piercing gaze rather than overt displays of aggression. The actor's attention to detail in his portrayal mirrors the character's own meticulous planning and execution of his assassination plot. Fox's Jackal is the epitome of the lone wolf assassin, blending into the background with an everyman quality, yet always projecting an air of calculated lethality. His performance is a testament to the power of restraint, allowing the audience to fill the gaps of the character's mysterious past and motivations, thereby creating an iconic and enduring cinematic antagonist.

Terence Alexander

as Lloyd

Terence Alexander delivered a compelling performance as Lloyd in the gripping 1973 thriller "The Day of the Jackal," directed by Fred Zinnemann. As Lloyd, Alexander portrayed a British businessman and minor operative who becomes unwittingly entangled in the intricate plot to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. His performance is notable for its understated elegance and the subtle nuances he brings to the character, which contrast sharply with the film's central tension surrounding the enigmatic and meticulous Jackal, played by Edward Fox. Alexander's Lloyd is suave and debonair, yet he imbues the role with a palpable sense of vulnerability and unease as the net tightens around the conspirators. His interactions with the other characters, particularly Michel Lonsdale's Detective Lebel, are fraught with a tension that Alexander conveys with a mere glance or inflection, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the high stakes involved. His ability to convey a sense of sophistication masking an underlying fear makes his portrayal of Lloyd a memorable and pivotal element in this classic tale of political intrigue and suspense.

Michel Auclair

as Colonel Rolland

Alan Badel

as the Minister

Alan Badel delivered a performance of understated intensity as the unnamed Minister in the gripping 1973 political thriller "The Day of the Jackal." His portrayal exuded an air of quiet authority and deep-seated concern, capturing the essence of a statesman grappling with the gravest of threats to his government. Badel's Minister is a man of dignity and composure, even as he confronts the looming specter of assassination at the hands of the enigmatic and highly skilled Jackal. With his measured speech and nuanced expressions, Badel conveys the immense pressure and moral quandaries faced by a leader who must balance the security of the state with the preservation of democratic principles. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety, as he navigates the complex web of political intrigue and personal vulnerability, making the Minister a memorable and human figure amidst the film's high-stakes drama.

Tony Britton

as Inspector Thomas

Tony Britton delivered a performance of understated intensity as Inspector Thomas in the gripping 1973 political thriller 'The Day of the Jackal.' His portrayal of the meticulous and unflappable British police officer, seconded to the French authorities to assist in the hunt for the enigmatic and professional assassin known only as the Jackal, provided a solid counterpoint to the film's central cat-and-mouse drama. Britton's Inspector Thomas is the embodiment of quiet determination, his sharp mind and dogged pursuit of the truth cutting through the political intrigue and bureaucratic obstacles that threaten to derail the investigation. With a reserved yet commanding presence, Britton's performance is marked by a keen attention to detail and a subtle charisma that holds the screen even in scenes shared with other powerful actors. His Thomas is both a symbol of law enforcement diligence and a character with his own subtle complexities, adding depth to the film's rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue.