Boualem Benani is an Algerian actor born in Hussein-Dey, Algiers, in 1946.

He discovered theatre in a holiday center that was animated by professionals like Kaki, Alloua, Hassan El-Hassani and Mohamed Boudia.

Awestruck, he decided to make it his vocation. He perfected his formation by enrolling in the Dramatic Art School of Bordj el Kiffan, which had just opened. After his national service, he was recruited by the Algerian National Theatre (TNA) and became a professional comedian. He was revealed by the film Omar Gatlato (1976) where he has the main role. He also starred in Le Vent du sud (1975) and Les Enfants du vent (1980).