Jean Dujardin insists he's a very "happy person" which is why he has a comedic gift.

The French actor has been catapulted into international fame for his role as George Valentin in Michel Hazanavicius' critically acclaimed film The Artist.

Jean was thrilled to star in the silent movie, as it allowed him to put his comedic talent to good use.

"I'm a happy person and I think that translates well into comedy. I know that there is the myth that most comedians deep down are miserable or angry," he told the UK edition of OK! magazine.

"But I am not that way. I also think I have a face where I can distort my expression and make people laugh more easily than others."

Jean initially had reservations about starring in The Artist. He worked hard at perfecting his on-screen behaviour for the silent movie.

"It was unexplored territory for me. I didn't want to become a caricature, to go over the top with my expressions. I wanted to rely more on my body language than obvious facial gestures," he explained.