He produced videos with Sens Unik, and after making an appearance in the documentary Babylon 2 (1993), Leal decided to pursue a serious acting career. He trained under director Jack Garfein at the Actors Studio in Paris. He made his film debut in Week End Break (2002), a comedy short film, which led to roles in a number of French and Swiss productions.
In 2005, Leal appeared in the Swiss film Snow White [de], in his first major cinematic role. For his performance, he was awarded the prize for Best Actor at the Africa Film Festival, and Swiss Film Prize for Best Performance in a Leading Role.[4]
In 2006, Leal played the role of croupier and poker tournament organizer in the James Bond film Casino Royale. In 2020, he portrayed Max Epperson aka Bob Weir, in the Netflix film The Last Thing He Wanted.
Filmography
Week End Break (Switzerland, short subject, 2002) – Phil
Anomalies passagères (France, TV, 2003) – Le photographe
Les Amateurs (2003) – Britannicus
Hildes Reise (Switzerland, 2004) – Monk at monastery
Love Express (Switzerland, 2004) – Al
Visite Médicale (Switzerland/France, short subject, 2005) – Le suisse
