Marini’s role as a French pirate in “Pirates of the Caribbean At World’s End” (2007) gave his career a boost, but it was his memorable appearance in the big screen adaptation of “Sex and the City” (HBO, 1998-2004) in 2008 that catapulted him into the spotlight. For his brief turn as an object of Samantha’s desire (who is eventually seen full-frontal nude), Marini earned legions of female fans. The overnight sensation fielded an increased number of acting offers, making his next dashing appearance in the French adventure TV series “Tellement Vrai” and appearing as a fully-clothed contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC, 2005- ) the following year.