A few quotes from Jean Lapointe over the years.
He was a friend. He was the greatest storyteller I’ve ever known, and a very funny man. His disappearance is as important for Quebec as that of René Lévesque.
August 9, 1988, the day after the death of Félix Leclerc
I’ll never do big venues again, it’s over for me. I’m too stressed, too anxious when I have to work with a big machine.
To The PressNovember 29, 1999, talking about his new show A voice, a piano, a story
I accepted this position because I think it is an honor and I think it is recognition for the contribution I have made in my part of the country, both in terms of my career and in terms of of my social involvement.
To The PressJune 14, 2001, the day after his appointment to the Senate
Michel Brault taught me to play. I was a federalist at the time. I still am, but much less. The filming of Orders opened my eyes to what really happened. I was traumatized by it for a month.
To The PressOctober 2, 2010, in an article on the 40th anniversary of the October Crisis and the subsequent shooting of the film Orders (1974) by Michel Brault
I sincerely believe that until the Conservatives took power, the Senate was the guardian angel of the population, of minorities, of the poor. But for some time, the Senate no longer debates.
To The Canadian Press, November 29, 2010, a few days before his retirement as a senator
I am not playing. I become the person described to me. When I shoot, the first thing I ask the director is: how do you want your character? Sensitive ? Arrogant ? A rotten one? And I give him what he wants.
To The PressMarch 12, 2011, on the eve of receiving the Jutra tribute to his career on the big screen
I don’t believe an artist retires. I still have the sacred fire. As long as I’m able to move, I’ll keep going. It’s my whole life.
To The PressMay 23, 2016, in a dossier on older artists