Actor Michel Blanc has died at the age of 72, according to French press.
A major figure in comic cinema in the 1980s within the Splendid gang, the late actor was inseparable from the character of Jean-Claude Dusse in the cult comedies Les Bronzés” (1978) and Les Bronzés sont du ski (1979). His character’s most famous line, “You never know, on a misunderstanding, it could work…”, became legendary, as did the scene where he’s stranded atop a ski lift crooning, “When will I see you again, wonderful country..”
Michel reportedly suffered a heart attack on Thursday evening and was subsequently hospitalised, his close ones shared with Agence France-Presse. “F***, Michel… What did you do to us…” Gerard Jugnot, his fellow Splendid gang member, lamented in an Instagram post. “Michel my friend my brother my partner,” Josiane Balasko, another iconic member of the celebrated 70s and 80s troupe, penned in tribute.
Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, also mourned Michel’s death on Twitter (X) , declaring: “This morning the pain is immense, as great as his talent. In front of the camera of Bertrand Blier, Robert Altman or Pierre Schoeller, Michel Blanc will have amazed us with the variety of his acting, but also with his talents as a director.”
The late actor collected his award at the 37th Cesar Awards ceremony in 2012 (
AFP via Getty Images)
The late actor, writer and director was renowned for his portrayals of underdogs and hypochondriacs. He is often linked with Le Splendid, a group he co-founded alongside Thierry Lhermitte, Josiane Balasko, Christian Clavier, Marie-Anne Chazel and Gerard Jugnot. He also worked as a successful director towards the later stages of his career.
Michel also demonstrated his range by taking on more serious roles, such as the lead in the Patrice Leconte film Monsieur Hire. The late star is one of the few people to have won honour at Cannes Film Festival in both a creative and performing role, scooping the Male Acting Prize in 1986 and taking home the Best Screenplay prize in 1994.