Where is he from?
The main character in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Miserables... this is an incredibly popular story to adapt, both in the musical that started in 1980 in Paris and debuted in 1987 on Broadway, and in film or television adaptations of the original novel.
The very first person to perform Valjean in the original 1980 Paris cast was Maurice Barrier...
... but Colm Wilkinson debuted the role both in the original London & Broadway cast, as well as in the 10th anniversary concert, He's usually considered to be the FIRST Valjean.
The 1998 film featured Liam Neeson as Valjean, forever proving that Valjean is fully capable of fist-fighting wolves.
the 2000 TV miniseries adaptation of the novel featured Gérard Depardieu as Valjean.
Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman, played Valjean in Tom Hooper 2012 film adaptation of the musical.
Back on the broadway stage Les Miserables had a 2014 revival starring former Phantom of the Opera Ramin Karimloo who absolutely redefined the role. In their first performance, the part of the bishop was actually played by original Valjean Colm Wilkinson for a ceremonial passing of the torch.