In 1997, Haitian actor Smoye Noisy starred in Le Cap à la Une, directed by Jean-Gardy Bien-Aimé. The film launched Noisy into prominence and established him as one of Haiti’s most recognizable screen actors. This interview captures his journey through breakthrough roles, his decision to remain in Haiti, and his vision for Caribbean cinema.
The Rise: How Noisy Became a Star
When Le Cap à la Une premiered in 1997, it introduced audiences to a romantic drama centered on young Haitian professionals on a staycation in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest city. Noisy played Marco, a young doctor whose life changes unexpectedly when he meets a woman during the vacation.
The film’s success made Noisy an instant heartthrob and established his credibility as a dramatic actor. For years afterward, he remained highly selective about his next roles.
Building Range: From Government Worker to Romantic Lead
Noisy’s next major role came in Millionaire par Erreur (2002), also directed by Bien-Aimé. In this film, Noisy played Stéphane, a government employee known for his integrity.
After being laid off, Stéphane visits a bank to withdraw his remaining savings—only to discover that a $3 million deposit has been mistakenly credited to his account, originally intended for a millionaire’s daughter.
The film became a benchmark production for Haitian cinema, assembling top talent from the country’s entertainment industry. Unlike Marco’s romantic journey, Stéphane showcased Noisy’s ability to carry a comedic, feel-good narrative.
Noisy continued to expand his range in subsequent roles: Didier in a screen adaptation of the popular radio soap opera Vanités, Intrigues, Passions (VIP), and Mike in Le Miracle de la Foi, a film exploring faith and romance. With each role, critics noted his versatility—moving fluidly between comic and dramatic registers.
The Role That Defined His Craft: Didier in VIP
Many film observers and industry insiders point to Noisy’s role as Didier—a husband grappling with his own fragile ego and infidelity—as the apex of his acting achievements. The character’s journey from stubborn traditionalist to compromiser willing to adapt for domestic peace required nuance and emotional depth that Noisy delivered fully.
Some argue that the best of Noisy’s work may still lie ahead. He remains committed to roles that challenge and stretch his abilities.
What Makes This Interview Different
- Direct quotes from the actor himself on his childhood, philosophy, and career choices—not secondhand commentary.
- Candid perspective on Haitian cinema’s trajectory and what it will take to revitalize the industry.
- Insight into his selective approach to roles and his refusal to leave Haiti despite industry pressure.
- Acknowledgment of peers he admires, including veteran actor Tonton Bicha and fellow performer Reginald Lubin.
The Full Interview
Tell us about yourself and your childhood.
Talking about myself is not something I feel too comfortable with. I only want to be the type of person whose circle, whose surroundings benefit from what he has to offer and who helps build in a world where people choose to demolish, to vilify and destroy.
I spent practically my entire childhood with my grandmother, in simple surroundings, in an environment where respect reigned. My grandmother was an extraordinary woman who never had any arguments with anybody.
She was a diplomat without words, and that’s a philosophy I unfortunately had to discover much later on through my own personal experiences in life.
Out of all the films you’ve been in, which one is your favorite?
The one I love the most has got to be Millionaire par Erreur, because it was a production that brought together a lot of talent and competence from the private sector within the country and placed them all in one project, which even today has become a benchmark for Haitians all over.
Millionaire par Erreur is like a family photo album of the biggest names in show business.
Many of your fellow actors have left Haiti. What motivated you to stay?
Some people have thought it over and have seen that leaving is the best for them, while there are others who estimate that leaving is not the solution. I think I fall in the latter category, happily I say, because every Haitian cannot leave the country.
Who’s going to stay behind to water the plants and to open the door for the others if everyone leaves?
Would you say that Haitian cinema is dead?
I wouldn’t say it’s dead, but we can definitely say that it’s lost a bit of speed, and that it’s still looking for its way. If you’re inside a car, you can’t be at a faster speed than the car will allow. It’s the logic to explain the current state of our cinema right now.
But we can believe that the country will recover and that our cinema is what can help relay the message to help transform the mind-set that makes it so difficult for us to cultivate the riches and assure prosperity within the country.
Which of your characters—Marco, Stéphane, Didier, or Mike—is most like you?
I liked Marco from Le Cap a la Une, which was my entry into cinema, alongside Jean-Gardy Bien-Aimé, and because it was a production that allowed me to discover and evaluate the potential of film as a medium in our community.
It was the first film that exposed our talents in that field and that opened the doors for Haitian cinema.
What advice do you have for young actors emerging on the scene today?
This advice isn’t necessarily for up-and-coming actors, but for all young people, no matter the field they’d like to get into. First, choose what you really want to do, and let your passion drive you.
Remember it’s not ability and talent that makes one succeed, but attitude, respect that you show for yourself and people around you. And also to never forget to put forward work and discipline towards what you believe in.
Some people consider you to be the best actor in the industry.
Each and everyone has their own criteria in choosing their favorites, driven by their emotions or passions. If I’m their favorite, then it’s an honor and a privilege that touches my heart, and that I receive with a great deal of pride.
And at this time, I’d like to say that I love them very much, and I thank them for all their encouragement.
What other actors do you look up to?
I have a great deal of admiration for Tonton Bicha, who I find to be outstanding with natural, original talent. Also Reginald Lubin, whom I consider to be a multiple-threat.
That’s in terms of Haiti, but we have a lot of others outside of Haiti who are also doing some great work.
Your role in Journée d’Couleurs was brief. What’s next for you?
I’d love to do a film that really showcases Haiti’s reality, with a screenplay that has the input of every Haitian in Haiti as well as overseas, and together we can build something worthy that’s going to be a source of pride for us all.
In regards to Journée d’Couleurs, it was just a cameo that my friend Bertony Volmar wrote in for me. The actual actors were a couple of young talents who needed more of a platform, and thanks to this movie we came across a lot of great sources of talent that were available and ready for great performances.
Where do you see your career five years from now?
My biggest dream is to see Caribbean Group succeed in finally getting Haitians to sit together to come up with a formula that can help us to fully showcase our talent potential and other riches within us and around us.
That’s my biggest dream, and that’s not going to change for years to come, for as long as God gives me breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Smoye Noisy’s breakthrough film?
Le Cap à la Une (1997), directed by Jean-Gardy Bien-Aimé, launched Noisy’s career. He played Marco, a young doctor on a staycation in Cap-Haïtien, and the role made him one of Haiti’s most recognizable actors.
Why did Noisy remain selective with his film roles?
After the success of Le Cap à la Une, Noisy was intentional about choosing projects that would challenge him artistically. He waited several years before accepting his next major role in Millionaire par Erreur.
What does Noisy believe is holding back Haitian cinema?
According to the actor, Haitian cinema has “lost a bit of speed” and is still searching for direction. However, he remains optimistic that the industry can recover and serve as a vehicle for transforming attitudes that hinder national prosperity.
Why did Smoye Noisy choose to stay in Haiti?
Noisy believes that not every Haitian can or should leave the country. He values being present to support the nation’s development and cultural output, viewing his work in Haiti as essential to building a sustainable film industry at home.
Which of Noisy’s roles is considered his best?
Many film observers credit his role as Didier in the Vanités, Intrigues, Passions adaptation as his finest work, showcasing his range as he portrayed a husband struggling with ego and infidelity.
Who does Smoye Noisy admire in the acting profession?
Noisy has expressed admiration for Tonton Bicha, whom he describes as having natural and original talent, and for Reginald Lubin, whom he considers a versatile performer across multiple mediums.
Editorial Note
This article is an interview conducted with Haitian actor Smoye Noisy. Information about his films, including Le Cap à la Une (1997) and Millionaire par Erreur (2002), has been cross-referenced with IMDb and Haitian cinema databases. Direct quotes are attributed to Noisy unless otherwise noted. If corrections or clarifications are needed, please contact the editor at kreyolicious.net.
Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by kreyolicious
