Who Are the Characters on Family Business? Unpacking the Hazan Clan

The Netflix hit Family Business throws viewers headfirst into the chaotic world of the Hazan family, a Parisian Jewish clan who, shall we say, pivot? From running a struggling kosher butcher shop to pioneering the “butic” industry (high-end marijuana boutiques), their journey is fueled by ambition, familial loyalty, and a healthy dose of sheer absurdity. But who are the driving forces behind this hilarious and often heartwarming saga? Let’s break down the key players.

Meet the Hazan Family: A Character-by-Character Breakdown

This isn’t your typical family sitcom. Each member of the Hazan family brings a unique brand of dysfunction and a surprising amount of heart to the table.

Joseph Hazan: The Accidental Kingpin

Joseph, played brilliantly by Jonathan Cohen, is the impulsive and somewhat hapless heart of the operation. He’s a dreamer with a knack for stumbling into success, although often with disastrous consequences. He’s the one who gets the bright (and questionably legal) idea to repurpose the family butcher shop for cannabis cultivation. Joseph’s motivations are largely driven by a desire to provide for his family and prove his worth, even if his methods are questionable. He’s prone to overconfidence, easily influenced, and surprisingly vulnerable. His love for his family is undeniable, even if he expresses it in bizarre and often hilarious ways.

Gérard Hazan: The Patriarch with a Past

Gérard, Joseph’s father, portrayed by Gérard Darmon, is the gruff and traditional patriarch of the Hazan family. He’s initially resistant to Joseph’s scheme, clinging to the traditions of the kosher butcher shop and his long-held beliefs. However, he eventually comes around, driven by a combination of financial necessity and a grudging acceptance of his son’s vision. Gérard is a complex character, harboring secrets from his past and struggling to adapt to the changing world. His relationship with Joseph is often strained, but beneath the surface lies a deep love and respect. He provides a grounding influence (however reluctant) to Joseph’s wilder impulses.

Ludmila Hazan: The Unpredictable Matriarch

Ludmila, played by Liliane Rovère, is the eccentric and unpredictable matriarch of the Hazan clan. She adds a layer of chaos and quirky humor to every scene she’s in. Ludmila is a free spirit, often offering unconventional wisdom and unpredictable solutions to the family’s problems. She’s fiercely loyal to her family and often acts as a mediator between Joseph and Gérard. Her past is shrouded in mystery, hinted at through occasional anecdotes and flashbacks, adding to her enigmatic charm. Think bohemian grandma with a surprising edge.

Aure Hazan: The Ambitious Daughter

Aure, Joseph’s sister, portrayed by Julia Piaton, is the ambitious and driven member of the family. Often overshadowed by her brother’s antics, she is determined to prove her worth and carve out her own success. She is more pragmatic and business-minded than Joseph, often acting as the voice of reason (which is often ignored). Aure is also grappling with her own personal life, seeking fulfillment and independence while remaining connected to her family. She often finds herself cleaning up Joseph’s messes, making her an indispensable part of the “butic” operation.

Olivier: The Loyal (and Lovable) Goon

Olivier, played by Olivier Rosemberg, is Joseph’s loyal and somewhat dim-witted best friend. He’s the muscle of the operation, providing security and handling the more…unpleasant tasks. Olivier is fiercely loyal to Joseph, often blindly following his lead even when it leads to trouble. He provides comic relief with his naive and often clueless antics. While not the sharpest tool in the shed, Olivier has a good heart and is a valuable member of the Hazan family’s inner circle.

The Supporting Cast: Adding Depth and Flavor

Beyond the immediate Hazan family, a colorful cast of supporting characters contribute to the show’s humor and drama.

• Enrico Macias (as Himself): The legendary singer becomes entangled in the Hazan family’s scheme, adding a surreal and hilarious element to the story. His presence acts as both a plot device and a commentary on fame and fortune.

• Catherine (Lina El Arabi): Joseph’s long-suffering ex-girlfriend, trying to navigate the craziness of the Hazan family with her son.

• Youssouf (Oussama Kheddam): Catherine’s new boyfriend who finds himself caught up in the Hazan family’s drama.

These characters, and many others, contribute to the rich tapestry of Family Business, creating a world that is both hilarious and surprisingly relatable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Characters of Family Business

Here are some common questions about the characters on Family Business, offering further insights into their personalities and motivations.

FAQ 1: What is Joseph’s main motivation throughout the series?

Joseph’s main motivation is to provide for his family and prove his worth. He wants to escape the perceived failures of his father and create a successful future for himself and his loved ones, even if he has to bend the rules (or break them entirely) to get there.

FAQ 2: How does Gérard’s traditional outlook clash with Joseph’s entrepreneurial spirit?

Gérard’s traditional outlook, rooted in his upbringing and the traditions of the kosher butcher shop, clashes with Joseph’s modern and unconventional entrepreneurial spirit. Gérard values tradition, hard work, and following the rules, while Joseph is more impulsive, risk-taking, and willing to embrace new ideas, regardless of their legality.

FAQ 3: What role does Ludmila play in mediating family conflicts?

Ludmila often acts as a mediator between Joseph and Gérard, using her unconventional wisdom and free-spirited nature to diffuse tension and find common ground. She provides a unique perspective that helps them understand each other better, even if they don’t always agree.

FAQ 4: How does Aure’s ambition contrast with her brother Joseph’s approach to business?

Aure’s ambition is driven by a desire for legitimate success and recognition, while Joseph’s approach to business is more impulsive and driven by the allure of quick riches. Aure is more pragmatic, detail-oriented, and concerned with the long-term viability of the business, while Joseph is more focused on immediate gains and flashy ideas.

FAQ 5: Why is Olivier so loyal to Joseph, despite Joseph’s questionable decisions?

Olivier’s loyalty to Joseph stems from a deep-seated friendship and admiration. He sees Joseph as a charismatic leader and believes in his vision, even when it seems outlandish or dangerous. He also enjoys the excitement and adventure that comes with being involved in Joseph’s schemes.

FAQ 6: How does Enrico Macias’s cameo impact the plot?

Enrico Macias’s cameo adds a surreal and comedic element to the plot. His involvement in the Hazan family’s scheme creates unexpected challenges and opportunities, forcing them to navigate the complexities of fame and fortune.

FAQ 7: Does Catherine ever fully accept Joseph’s lifestyle?

No, Catherine never fully accepts Joseph’s lifestyle. She is constantly worried about the safety of her son and the potential consequences of Joseph’s actions. While she cares for him, she desires a stable and secure life, which Joseph’s lifestyle cannot provide.

FAQ 8: What is the significance of the Hazan family’s Jewish heritage in the show?

The Hazan family’s Jewish heritage is integral to the show’s identity. It informs their traditions, values, and relationships with each other. The contrast between their traditional background and their unconventional business venture creates a unique and often humorous dynamic. It also touches on themes of cultural identity, family legacy, and adapting to modern times.

FAQ 9: How does the series explore themes of family loyalty?

Family loyalty is a central theme in Family Business. Despite their conflicts and differences, the Hazan family always sticks together, supporting each other through thick and thin. Their loyalty is tested repeatedly throughout the series, but they consistently choose family above all else.

FAQ 10: Are there any character arcs that are particularly compelling to watch?

Joseph’s character arc is particularly compelling as he evolves from a hapless dreamer to a (somewhat) more responsible leader. Gérard’s arc is also interesting as he gradually comes to terms with his past and accepts his son’s unconventional choices. Aure’s journey toward self-discovery and independence is also a highlight.

FAQ 11: Which character provides the most comic relief?

Olivier undoubtedly provides the most comic relief with his naive and clueless antics. His unwavering loyalty and often misguided attempts to help Joseph create plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Ludmila’s eccentric personality and unpredictable behavior also contribute significantly to the show’s humor.

FAQ 12: How do the supporting characters contribute to the overall dynamic of the show?

The supporting characters add depth and complexity to the show’s dynamic. They provide different perspectives, create new conflicts, and offer opportunities for character growth. They also enrich the world of Family Business, making it feel more authentic and relatable.

In conclusion, the characters of Family Business are a diverse and engaging bunch, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. Their interactions and relationships drive the show’s humor and drama, making it a truly captivating watch. From the impulsive Joseph to the traditional Gérard, the unpredictable Ludmila to the ambitious Aure, the Hazan family is a force to be reckoned with, both in business and in life.