France laments the death of actor Michel Blanc
In the end, it was a heart attack that took Michel Blanc's life. He went quietly, making no fuss but leaving an immense gap in the French movie scene.
The French actor, an emblematic figure of the Splendid acting troupe in the seventies was best known for his role as Jean-Claude Dusse, the eternal loser in the saga of Les Bronzés. He died on the night of October 3 to 4, 2024 at the age of 72.
Michel Blanc left his mark on French cinema with cult films such as "Papy fait de la résistance" and "L'exercise de l'état ", for which he won a César award. Although he enjoyed his career, he had expressed reservations about being forever associated with his character in “Les Bronzés”. Yet, his filmography has nonetheless been marked by success and recognition, both from the public and his peers. Excellent in comedies, he was also critically acclaimed for roles such as “Monsieur Hire”.
To the French magazine Paris Match, he had mentioned the idea of working again with the Splendid team. "But not 'Les bronzés'. We can’t do that kind of humour anymore. It was almost fifty years ago, the world has changed."
Tributes and sorrow
Since the announcement of his death, tributes from the world of entertainment have been pouring in, as well as messages from politicians. His partner at the time of the Splendid Josiane Balasko, but also Carla Bruni, the Minister of Culture Rachid Dati, singer Patrick Bruel and many others. Many express their incomprehension and dismay, perhaps also because Blanc died relatively young (72 years old) and "without warning". His long-term friend Gérard Jugnot, expressed this on Instagram by declaring: "D**n Michel... What have you done to us... ".
One thing is clear: Michel Blanc is the last French actor they would have liked to see go. He first made the world laugh, then think and now perhaps regret that we didn't pay more attention to him during his lifetime.
(ML. Source: Paris Match. Photo: DPA/United Archives/Impress)