Sophia Loren – The Barefoot Peasant
At just 23, Sophia Loren left Italy for Hollywood to pursue her dream, but it wasn’t until three years later, thanks to the Franco-Italian film La Paysanne aux pieds nus, that her career really took off. Over the course of the 1960s and 1970s, she established herself as an icon of world cinema, before taking a break in the 1980s. She made a comeback in 1990 with Samedi, dimanche et lundi, but since then has appeared in only eight films in over thirty years.
Sophia Loren – The Barefoot Peasant
Sophie Davant – C’est au programme
Sophie Davant is a fixture on the French TV scene. With her talent, humor and benevolence, she has left her mark on several iconic shows such as Fort Boyard, Toute une histoire and C’est au programme. Since 2017, she has hosted Affaire conclue on France 2 every afternoon, further strengthening her special bond with viewers. In other words, retirement is definitely not on Sophie Davant’s agenda.
Sophie Davant – C’est Au Programme
Évelyne Dhéliat – TF1 Weatherwoman
Born in Cologne to a French father and German mother, Évelyne Dhéliat grew up in Paris before studying English at the Sorbonne. She began her television career in 1968 as an announcer at ORTF, which became TF1 in 1975. She quickly made a name for herself at the channel, notably presenting the Eurovision Song Contest, and in 1985 received the “7 d’or” award for best female announcer. Over the years, Évelyne Dhéliat established herself as the emblematic figure of weather on TF1, a position she still holds today.
Évelyne Dhéliat – Météo De TF1
Claire Chazal – TF1 Weekend News
An exceptional journalist and an iconic figure on French television, Claire Chazal left her mark on the history of TV news by presenting the Friday evening and weekend newscasts on TF1 for 24 years, a real feat in such a demanding profession. Her influence extends beyond journalism, as she has also made several film appearances, playing herself. Thanks to her professionalism, benevolence and charisma, she has become a veritable icon of the small screen, and continues to shine today, notably on France 3 with Le Grand Échiquier.
Claire Chazal – TF1 Weekend News
Michèle Torr – Emmène-moi danser ce soir
Michèle Torr enjoyed dazzling success from the moment her debut album C’est dur d’avoir 16 ans was released in 1964, quickly becoming one of the biggest stars of the yéyé era. The singer’s success continued into the 1970s, when she recorded her most emblematic song, Emmène-moi danser ce soir. Later, in the 2000s and 2010s, she took part in the Âge tendre et têtes de bois tour, which enabled her to give numerous concerts across France. It was an experience she treasures, as it gave her the opportunity to relive her finest years.
Michèle Torr – Emmène Moi Danser Ce Soir
Macha Méril – Sans toit ni loi
Macha Méril is one of those actresses capable of reinventing herself over time, despite a career that began in the late 1950s. Alternating between cinema and television, she shone as much on the big screen, notably in Belle de jour, as in popular series such as Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret. In 1986, her talent was recognized with a César nomination for Best Actress for her role in Sans toit ni loi. In recent years, she has made a greater impact on television, appearing in a dozen series over the past decade.
Macha Méril – Sans Toit Ni Loi
Brigitte Bardot – And God… created woman
Brigitte Bardot made her film debut in the early 1950s, and was immediately noticed for her beauty and natural charm. She became a worldwide icon in 1956 thanks to Roger Vadim’s film Et Dieu… créa la femme, which propelled her career to international stardom in both film and song. After her last film in 1973, she put an end to her artistic career to devote herself entirely to defending the animal cause. Since then, she has made no media appearances other than to talk about this struggle, voluntarily abandoning the memory of her life as an actress.
Brigitte Bardot – And God… Created Woman
Sophie Marceau – La boum
For many years, Sophie Marceau has been considered France’s favorite female personality. She was discovered and immediately embraced by the public thanks to her landmark role in La Boum in 1980, and then in La Boum 2, which won her the César for Best New Actress in 1982. Always in great demand from directors, she has continued to shine on the big screen, appearing in four films in the last three years, including I Love America and Tout s’est bien passé. However, despite her flourishing career, Sophie Marceau recently confided that she was considering putting an end to her acting life.
Sophie Marceau – La Boum
Alexandra Lamy – Un gars, une fille
Alexandra Lamy’s career got off to a relatively late start, as she was only 28 when she was cast as Chouchou in France 2’s hit sitcom Un gars, une fille. The phenomenal success of the series propelled her to fame and opened the doors to the cinema, where she alternated between light comedy and more dramatic films. A popular actress appreciated for her spontaneity, she continues to win over audiences and producers alike, as evidenced by her strong screen presence, with three films released in 2023.
Alexandra Lamy – Un Gars, Une Fille
Christophe Dechavanne – Ciel, mon mardi!
Christophe Dechavanne is one of the most iconic hosts on French television. His outspokenness, energy and humor have made him a household name, much appreciated by the public. He has hosted many successful shows, including Ciel, mon mardi, Coucou c’est nous and La Ferme Célébrités. Since 2022, he has been the main columnist on Quelle époque! the Léa Salamé show that took over from On n’est pas couchés on Saturday nights on France 2. It’s a new role for him, and one in which he has adapted brilliantly.
Christophe Dechavanne – Ciel, Mon Mardi!
Denise Fabre – Madame êtes-vous libre?
Few people know it, but at just 16 years of age, Denise Fabre had the incredible privilege of being Walt Disney’s and his wife’s lady-in-waiting during their visit to Nice. She was even invited to accompany them to the United States, but being too young at the time, she preferred to stay in France – a decision she no doubt won’t regret. Indeed, she built an exceptional career there, becoming one of TF1’s star hosts in the 1970s with such landmark programs as Madame, êtes-vous libre? Later, from 2009, she devoted herself to hosting the Âge tendre and Têtes de bois tours, reconnecting with the public who had always adored her.
Denise Fabre – Madame êtes-vous libre?
Marlène Jobert – Masculin féminin
Spotted at the age of 23 by the great director Jean-Luc Godard, Marlène Jobert’s natural beauty immediately won her a starring role in Masculin féminin, in which she co-starred with Brigitte Bardot, one of the biggest stars of the day. She reached the peak of her career in the 1970s, before voluntarily slowing down in the mid-1980s to devote more time to her personal life. In 2007, she received a César d’honneur for lifetime achievement. Since retiring from acting, Marlène Jobert has been devoting herself to another of her passions: writing children’s stories.
Marlène Jobert – Masculin Féminin
Elsa Lunghini – Elsa
Elsa Lunghini, better known as Elsa, began her acting career as a child in the 1980s. She shot to fame in 1988 with the release of her hugely successful debut album Elsa. Over the years, her career has continued steadily, even if her fame no longer reaches the heights of her beginnings. Today, Elsa Lunghini has stepped back from music to devote herself entirely to television. Since 2020, she has played one of the main roles in the series Demain nous appartient, and has also appeared in other productions such as Léo Mattéï and Les Randonneuses.
Elsa Lunghini – Elsa
Mireille Mathieu – Mille colombes
With a 55-year career and over 1,200 songs to her credit, Mireille Mathieu is without doubt one of the greatest international stars of French chanson. She made a name for herself in 1966 with her first hit, Mon credo, and went on to score a string of gold records, buoyed by her powerful, instantly recognizable voice. Her iconic songs, such as La dernière valse and Mille colombes, continue to be covered and celebrated in France and abroad. Today, although less active due to age, Mireille Mathieu remains a living legend of music, her latest album Mes classiques dating from 2018.
Mireille Mathieu – Mille Colombes
Patricia Kaas – Mon mec à moi
For Patricia Kaas, it all began in earnest in 1988 with the release of her debut album, featuring cult hits such as Mon mec à moi and Mademoiselle chante le blues. This dazzling success earned her the title of Revelation of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique awards. The 1990s and 2000s confirmed her status as a major artist, notably with the album Kabaret released in 2008. In all, she has sold almost 20 million records worldwide. Driven by an inexhaustible passion for the stage and music, Patricia Kaas assures us that she will continue to sing for as long as she has the strength.
Patricia Kaas – Mon Mec à Moi
Jacques Charrier – Les tricheurs
True film fans, especially those with a passion for black-and-white films, are well aware of Jacques Charrier’s importance in the history of French cinema. A true star of the late 1950s and early 1970s, he rose to fame with the 1958 film Les Tricheurs. In addition to his acting career, he also attracted public attention for his relationship with the greatest French icon of the time, Brigitte Bardot. Despite his dazzling fame, Jacques Charrier chose to leave the film world prematurely to devote himself fully to his passion for painting.
Jacques Charrier – The Cheaters
Brigitte Fossey – Forbidden Games
Brigitte Fossey got off to an exceptional start in her career, appearing in the film Jeux interdits at just five years of age, a remarkable performance that won her the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival. She went on to enjoy an impressive career, playing a string of outstanding roles in cult films such as Les Valseuses, La Boum and Un mauvais fils. Despite her decades-long career, Brigitte Fossey retains the same passion for her profession. Always active, she continues to alternate between film, television and theater, and recently toured France with the play Je t’écris moi non plus.
Brigitte Fossey – Forbidden Games
Bob Sinclar – Love generation
Bob Sinclar is one of France’s most famous and internationally influential DJs. Passionate about electronic music since the age of 17, he patiently perfected his art before releasing his first album in 1998. In 2005, he shot to worldwide fame with his huge hit Love Generation, now a global anthem. Since then, he has enjoyed a string of successes, with tracks such as World Hold On and Rock This Party, which have made millions of fans around the world dance. Although his last studio album dates from 2013, Bob Sinclar remains very active, continuing to produce new singles and perform live every year.
Bob Sinclar – Love Generation
Anny Duperey – Stavisky
Anny Duperey began her career alternating between television and theater, before landing her first real film role in 1967. Her breakthrough came with her performance in Stavisky alongside Jean-Paul Belmondo, a success that opened the door to a number of iconic films such as Un éléphant ça trompe énormément and Le Grand Pardon. Although Anny Duperey is less present on the silver screen today than she was in her early days, she continues to film regularly. Recently, she appeared in the film Sur les chemins noirs and took part in the fifth season of the TV show Mask Singer.
Anny Duperey – Stavisky
Eddy Mitchell – No Boogie Woogie
When one thinks of the French rock scene, the name Eddy Mitchell immediately springs to mind. An iconic figure in the genre, he started out as leader of the very first French rock band, Les Chaussettes Noires, before going solo in 1962. Over the course of an impressive career, he has released over thirty albums, profoundly influencing French chanson with his American rock-inspired sounds. Although he has decided to stop performing, Eddy Mitchell remains faithful to his passion and continues to release new albums regularly, approximately one every three years.
Eddy Mitchell – Pas De Boogie Woogie
Évelyne Leclercq – Tournez manège!
Évelyne Leclercq began her television career in the early 1970s, but it was in the 1980s that she gained immense popularity as host of the cult TV show Tournez manège! and became one of TF1’s leading figures. She successfully hosted the show for eight years, impressing a whole generation of viewers with her good humor and elegance. Although she has kept a low profile on television for several years now, Évelyne Leclercq remains very active, particularly in the voluntary sector. Since 2007, she has been the patron of the Le lever de soleil des pit’chounes association, which helps children suffering from rare or orphan diseases.
Évelyne Leclercq – Tournez Manège !
Francis Huster – Le dîner de cons
Francis Huster is the perfect embodiment of a passionate actor, for whom theater and acting are not just a profession, but a true reason for living. An admirer and connoisseur of the great playwrights, he has spent his life interpreting their texts on stage with a rare intensity. Over the course of his fifty-year career, he has played a host of roles in film, television and theater, building up a filmography as rich as it is varied. Francis Huster is an indefatigable actor who has no plans to retire: he will continue to act as long as he has the strength to do so, driven by his inexhaustible love of the stage.
Francis Huster – Le Dîner De Cons
Line Renaud – Snow Star
What can we say about Line Renaud, except that she is one of the most emblematic figures on the French media scene? Endowed with exceptional longevity and remarkable versatility, she began her career in 1944 and scored her first big hit in 1950 with the song Étoile des neiges. Since then, she has navigated brilliantly between song, theater and film, marking several generations with her talent. But Line Renaud did not limit herself to her artistic career: deeply committed, she devoted much of her life to the fight against AIDS. Since the 1980s, she has multiplied her actions and events to raise public awareness and support research, making her as much an artist with a big heart as a tireless campaigner.
Line Renaud – Étoile Des Neiges
Mimie Mathy – Joséphine ange gardien
For many years now, Mimie Mathy has held a special place in the hearts of the French, and not by chance. She has become a veritable icon of the small screen thanks to her role in the series Joséphine, ange gardien, which she has played since 1997. This endearing, benevolent character has survived the decades without losing any of her success, proof of the public’s attachment to her. But Mimie Mathy’s career doesn’t stop there: she continues to shine in other TV movies such as I Love You Coiffure (2020) and Le Prix de la Trahison (2022). Her commitment to the Restos du Cœur charity also bears witness to her great generosity and deep sense of solidarity. A complete artist, as talented as she is human.
Mimie Mathy – Joséphine Ange Gardien
Gérard Depardieu – Les valseuses
Gérard Depardieu first came to public attention with the film Les Valseuses in 1974, marking the start of an exceptional career that has made him a true legend of French cinema. A multi-faceted actor, he has conquered the world with his talent, appearing in international productions such as Green Card and The Man in the Iron Mask. Awarded a César and a Golden Globe for his remarkable performances, Depardieu remains driven by the same passion for his art, continuing to shoot several films each year with unflagging energy and desire.
Gérard Depardieu – Les Valseuses
Gérard Jugnot – Les bronzés
Gérard Jugnot began his career in café-theater with the Splendid troupe, before achieving dazzling success in the cinema with the cult film Les Bronzés, which catapulted him to the forefront of the screen. An all-round performer, he has demonstrated the richness of his talent by alternating between comedy and drama, notably with his outstanding role in Les Choristes. As passionate and charismatic as ever, Gérard Jugnot continues to light up the silver screen, offering his audiences performances full of emotion and humor, even after a career spanning several decades.
Gérard Jugnot – The Bronzés
Hervé Vilard – Capri c’est fini
As a teenager, Hervé Vilard dreamed of becoming a singer, a goal he achieved thanks to the support of Michèle Torr and Christophe. His huge success came with the iconic song Capri, c’est fini, which marked the start of a career punctuated by hits such as Nous, Reviens and Méditerranéenne. With over 40 million records sold and collaborations with the greatest composers, he has established himself as a key figure in French chanson. In 2020, he revealed a more intimate side of his life in his autobiography Du lierre dans les arbres, in which he confided as never before.
Hervé Vilard – Capri C’est Fini
Marthe Villalonga – Un élément ça trompe énormément
Marthe Villalonga began her career on stage in the late 1950s, before making a name for herself on the small and big screens. Her real breakthrough came in the 1970s with cult films such as Le clair de terre, Un éléphant ça trompe énormément and Ma saison préférée. Throughout her career, she distinguished herself by her talent for portraying Jewish mothers and grandmothers with accuracy and tenderness, becoming a deeply endearing figure for French audiences. Despite her advanced age, Marthe Villalonga remains driven by the same passion for her craft, and continues to light up cinema, television and theater.
Marthe Villalonga – An Element of Deception
Jacques Dutronc – Et moi, et moi, et moi
By the 1960s, Jacques Dutronc had established himself as a major figure in French chanson, thanks to such cult hits as Et moi, et moi, et moi and Il est cinq heures, Paris s’éveille. An all-round artist, he also enjoyed a brilliant film career, with outstanding roles in Place Vendôme and Van Gogh, the latter earning him a César for Best Actor in 1992. As charismatic as ever, Dutronc also shared the stage with Johnny Hallyday and Eddy Mitchell as part of the trio Les Vieilles Canailles, whose concerts, notably in 2017, won over several generations of fans.
Jacques Dutronc – Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi
Michel Sardou – La maladie d’amour
Michel Sardou is one of the biggest names in French chanson, having left his mark on several generations with legendary songs such as La maladie d’amour, Je vais t’aimer and Les lacs du Connemara. By the 1970s, he had established himself as a key figure in French-language music, scoring one hit after another without ever losing the fervor of his fans. His latest album, a live affair entitled La dernière danse, testifies to the power and longevity of his exceptional career. With decades of success under his belt, Michel Sardou has firmly established himself in the pantheon of France’s greatest artists.
Michel Sardou – La Maladie D’amour
Nathalie Roussel – Guy de Maupassant
Nathalie Roussel came to prominence at the tender age of 18, thanks to her breakthrough role in Les violons du bal. Although she got her start in the cinema, it was television in particular that shaped her career, notably with her brilliant performance in Guy de Maupassant. She then turned to the theater, where she worked with several major directors and confirmed her talent as an actress. Since 2021, Nathalie Roussel has been enjoying a veritable renaissance thanks to her role in the Franco-Belgian series Je te promets, where she plays the elderly version of Florence Gallo. Proof that talent and passion always find their light, whatever the moment in life.
Nathalie Roussel – Guy De Maupassant
Pierre Richard – The goat
Pierre Richard is without doubt one of the most iconic French actors of his generation, renowned for his awkward charm and irresistible sense of humor. With cult films such as La chèvre, Les fugitifs and Les compères, he left his mark on the 70s and 80s, winning the hearts of audiences with his natural talent and deeply human acting. In 2006, he was awarded a César d’honneur for lifetime achievement, a rare and well-deserved distinction. As inspired as ever, Pierre Richard proved that he had lost none of his magic by winning the Molière for one-man-show in 2020, confirming that, even after decades, his comic genius and charisma remain intact.
Pierre Richard – The Goat
Claire Nadeau – Les Tuche
Claire Nadeau has left her mark on French cinema thanks to her roles in cult comedies such as Les Visiteurs 2, On connaît la chanson and Les Tuche. An accomplished actress, she has also made a name for herself on stage, winning the Molière for Best Supporting Actress in 2010 after several nominations. On television, her humor and inimitable presence have shone in such hit series as Kaamelott and Fais pas ci, fais pas ça. With a career spanning more than fifty years, Claire Nadeau continues to be in great demand from directors, and in 2023 she once again proved her versatility with a succession of projects in film, television and theater.
Claire Nadeau – Les Tuche
Marcel Amont – Tout doux, tout doucement
It’s impossible to talk about French music-hall without mentioning Marcel Amont, a true legend of the genre, who greatly contributed to its popularization. Over the course of his impressive career, he recorded 32 albums and over 800 songs, including such iconic titles as Tout doux, tout doucement and Un Mexicain basané. But beyond his musical successes, what commands respect is his inexhaustible passion for creation. Even after decades in the business, Marcel Amont has never stopped innovating. In 2021, he surprised his public by publishing his first novel, Adieu la belle Marguerite, proving that it’s never too late to follow one’s dreams and continue to amaze generations.
Marcel Amont – Tout Doux, Tout Doucement
François Valéry – Dream in Blue
As a teenager, François Valéry dreamed of a career as a footballer, but his destiny changed the day his mother gave him a guitar for his birthday. By the age of 20, he had already scored his first hit with Une chanson d’été, launching a musical career that would leave its mark on the 80s. With catchy hits like Disco Brasilia and Aimons-nous vivants, he became a key figure in French chanson. His legendary duet with Sophie Marceau on Dream in Blue remains his greatest hit, engraved in the collective memory. And despite the years, François Valéry has lost none of his passion: his series of concerts in 2019 is striking proof that he retains the same energy and love of the stage as he did in his early days.
François Valéry – Dream In Blue
Eva Green – Innocents
It’s never easy to grow up in the shadow of an icon like Marlène Jobert, but Eva Green has risen to the challenge, forging a strong artistic identity for herself. Endowed with unique charisma and bewitching beauty, she quickly conquered the world of cinema with landmark roles in Innocents and Sin City. These performances earned her international recognition, making her one of the most talented and respected actresses of her generation. Always in demand, Eva Green continues to shine on the silver screen, notably with her recent roles in several 2023 productions, including The Three Musketeers, confirming her place among the great figures of contemporary cinema.
Eva Green – Innocents
Claude Sarraute – Big heads
Claude Sarraute has left her mark on the French media landscape, on both radio and television. An iconic commentator on cult shows such as Les Grosses Têtes, On a tout essayé and On va s’gêner, she rubbed shoulders with the likes of Philippe Bouvard and Laurent Ruquier, with whom she shared many moments of complicity and laughter. Alongside her audiovisual career, Claude Sarraute distinguished herself in the literary world, publishing fourteen books, several of them autobiographical, reflecting her legendary humor, lucidity and outspokenness. After decades of a rich and respected career, she has chosen to step back and enjoy a well-deserved retirement with her loved ones.
Claude Sarraute – Les Grosses Têtes
Patrick Sébastien – Le plus grand cabaret du monde
Patrick Sébastien began his career in 1974 as an imitator and comedian, never imagining that he would become one of French television’s most iconic hosts and producers. The creator of such cult shows as Le Grand Bluff and Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde, he won audiences over with his energy, popular humor and generosity. Patrick Sébastien’s versatility has never been limited to hosting: he has also played roles on television and led a career as a singer, with a number of festive albums that have left their mark on the public. As active and close to his audience as ever, he occupies a special place in the hearts of the French, a symbol of warm, authentic entertainment.
Patrick Sébastien – Le Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde
Michel Drucker – Vivement dimanche
Michel Drucker is without doubt a living legend on French television, a familiar face who has accompanied entire generations of viewers. A veritable pillar of the audiovisual landscape, he has hosted legendary shows such as Champs-Élysées, Stars 90 and Vivement dimanche, which have become essential references in French entertainment. His professionalism, benevolence and exceptional longevity have made him a respected and beloved figure. Despite the passing years and a few health problems, Michel Drucker is not thinking of retiring. True to his optimism and passion for his profession, he confided that he would like to continue for another ten years, proving that he remains a tireless lover of the small screen.
Michel Drucker – Vivement Dimanche
Patrick Bruel
Icon of French chanson and idol of a generation, Patrick Bruel has established himself as one of the most emblematic artists on the French music scene. His repertoire is packed with timeless classics such as Place des grands hommes, J’te l’dis quand même and Qui a le droit, songs that continue to move audiences. But Patrick Bruel doesn’t limit himself to music: he has also made a name for himself on the silver screen, starring in successful films such as Marche à l’ombre and Le prénom, a role for which he was nominated for a César for Best Actor. After a career spanning almost forty years, he remains indefatigable and inspired, as evidenced by his latest album, Encore une fois, released in 2022, proof that Patrick Bruel’s passion for the stage and the public remains intact.
Patrick Bruel