It is with a heavy heart and with deep emotion that Omar Sy addressed his community this Friday, June 2. Indeed, the 45-year-old actor took to his Instagram account to announce the disappearance of a great man. A man who inspired him a lot, and who played a key role in his career. Indeed, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo passed away at the age of 72. He is none other than the billionaire and former president of Champagne Pommery, from the Corsican nobility, who inspired Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano for the film “Untouchables”.
This feature film released on November 2, 2011, indeed tells the story of Philippe, in a wheelchair, after the loss of the use of his limbs following a paragliding accident, and that of Abdel Yasmin Sellou. Philippe’s guardian angel, on the fringes of society, who will give him a taste for life.
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A monstrous success for a beautiful complicity
In Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano’s project, Omar Sy is Abdel (Driss in the film: editor’s note) and François Cluzet plays Philippe. The two actors have managed to reach millions of French people but also millions of fans around the world.
19,275,425 cumulative admissions in France as reported Allocinated. And still many millions around the world. An international success which has also allowed Omar Sy to take a step forward and make a real place for himself in the middle.
He also received the César for best actor for his role as “Driss” in 2012. Aware of the importance of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo in his life, but also because he appreciated him enormously, the French actor wanted to pay tribute to him on Instagram.
Philippe Pozzo di Borgo is gone, Omar Sy far from being “Untouchable”
“Forever in our hearts…. We have just learned with great sadness of the disappearance of our friend Philippe Pozzo di Borgo. By accepting that we adapt his story in Intouchables, he has changed our lives and the lives of many vulnerable people. and fragile”he wrote, grateful, at first, before continuing: “We keep the image of a courageous, dignified, humble and combative man. We will miss his humor and his intelligence. Having worked with him during all these years was a rare privilege. We will try to continue all of his fights “. Omar Sy did not fail to address his thoughts to the wife and children of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo at the conclusion of his moving text.
RF