(Montreal) The death of Jean Lapointe leaves a void in the hearts of many people who knew him. The singer, comedian and ex-senator died on Friday at the age of 86.
In recent decades, he has been involved with the Fondation Jean Lapointe, which he founded 40 years ago. This is also the organization that announced his death.
His daughter, Executive Director of Maison Jean Lapointe, which helps people struggling with problems related to the consumption of alcohol, other substances and gambling, recalls that his greatest pride has always been Maison Jean Lapointe.
“His departure saddens us, but we know that he will remain the soul of our establishment,” said Anne Elizabeth Lapointe, in a press release.
His son, Jean-Marie Lapointe, also an actor, underlines that “losing our father is a terrible ordeal, but knowing that his artistic and humanist heritage will live on in the hearts of Quebecers is comforting for us”.
His agent, Ginette Achim, said she was living a “bad dream” a few hours after the announcement of the death of her friend Jean Lapointe. Mme Achim had spoken to his wife, Mercédès Vincent-Lapointe, the previous evening and was not expecting this news.
It’s a shock. We know that we are all going to leave one day and, when someone is sick, we say to ourselves that perhaps the risk is greater. When it’s people you love so much, it’s a surprise, you don’t want to lose them.
Mercédès Vincent-Lapointe, wife of Jean Lapointe
The one who has known him for twenty years does not hesitate to speak of a “Big, with a capital G”.
“He was a man of great integrity, humility… All the talent he had, everything he could represent… He never took any special regard for him, remembers- she. He did what he had to do, he shared with people. »
Beyond “the exceptional being with his faults and his qualities”, Mme Achim retains all his talents. Mr. Lapointe knew how to sing, dance, play, she recalls. “But what an actor! He embodied his characters so well. […] the truth was on screen. »
One of Mr. Lapointe’s last public appearances was at the 40e anniversary of the Maison and the Jean Lapointe Foundation, on October 5. On this occasion, the actor Benoît Brière had read the extract of the song crying.
” crying, this is the story of my life, its ups and downs. It is above all, in my humble opinion, a story of hope where we understand the true definition of the old adage “It is by giving that we receive”, Jean Lapointe underlined on this occasion.
Benoît Brière, who is currently filming, “loves him with love”, recalls Mme Achim. Like many Quebecers. “It’s a great loss for Quebecers, because I think people felt his accessibility, his humility, the ‘I’m falling, I’m getting up’,” she says.
The laugh
Jean Lapointe’s autobiography, an expanded reissue of which appeared in October, is titled crying, like the song. His laugh also marked his entourage.
“I’m going to be bored, we still talked quite often and he was funny, remembers Mme Achim. Just to hear him laugh, it was my great happiness. »
The actress Sophie Clément, who shared the film poster with him Hot water, fretted water in 1976, remembers having had one of the most extraordinary giggles of his life with Mr. Lapointe during the shooting of this film by André Forcier.
“I want to offer my condolences to all the people who loved him. I loved working with him, he is an absolutely charming man,” says Mme Clément, who however did not see him again after this film.
Actor Jean-Pierre Bergeron, who also shared the set of Hot water, fretted water with Mr. Lapointe, remembers that he “was one of our greatest artists. He was someone I admired a lot, already very young, because he was a very real actor. »
Many comedians highlighted the talent of Mr. Lapointe on Friday.
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of my friend Jean Lapointe today, wrote on Facebook François Léveillée. Jean was an exceptional man. Author, composer, performer, humorist and actor, he filled the hearts of Quebecers on stage, on television and on the big screen. »
The comedian remembered that Mr. Lapointe had offered him the first part of his show and that, each evening, he settled in the room and took notes to give him advice.
PHOTO ANDRÉ PICHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Francois Leveillee
“Jean Lapointe was a man of heart, a great humorist of my childhood, but also and above all one of the greatest dramatic actors of recent decades (Duplessis, The Orders, etc.) My thoughts to Jean-Marie and the family. Hello my John! “, reports comedian Guy Nantel on social networks.
Comedian Dany Turcotte points out that “with his authenticity, Jean Lapointe has earned a place in the hearts of Quebecers, very few people have this honor! RIP John. »
His laughter had also crossed the Atlantic. Under the encouragement of his Franco-Belgian friend Raymond Devos, Mr. Lapointe presented his show Lapointe door to laugh at the Olympia in 1985.
“Jean Lapointe had the gift of making people laugh and make people think. I had the chance to know this generous man through the great friendship he and my father maintained throughout their lives,” Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau wrote on Twitter, presenting his condolences to his loved ones.
His film career was as prolific as that of a singer and that on the boards. His role in one-man, shot in English, earned him the Canadian Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also holds the title role of the television series Duplessisin 1978.
“I had to insist that Jean Lapointe play a role in two golden women, testifies the director Claude Fournier on Twitter. He was nervous, but also titillated. Farewell dear actor, dear friend. Dear Jean Lapointe, hello! Nobody dares to say, obviously, that your first role in the cinema, it will have been two golden women. We prefer to mention Duplessis, it’s more chic. »
Politics
In parallel with his artistic career, Mr. Lapointe was a senator from 2001 to 2010. During this period, he made the fight against video lottery machines in bars and restaurants his priority.
He said he was, on retirement, disappointed with his time in politics and not having liked it. Many political figures, however, highlighted his contribution on Friday.
Here are a few of them on social media:
Quebec loses a great artist with many talents. First a singer; all Quebecers know sing your song. A comic that could make us laugh to tears. And an actor who played Duplessis; a performance that is one of the great moments of our TV. My condolences to the family and loved ones. Goodbye, Mr. Lapointe.
François Legault, Premier of Quebec
Today we are losing a great Quebecer. For me, Jean Lapointe is one of the immortals of our culture. All my thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. Have a good rest, Mr. Lapointe. Your brand will live on in our hearts.
Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications of Quebec
My most sincere thoughts to the family and loved ones of Jean Lapointe. A life marked by laughter, unforgettable characters and remarkable social involvement. Quebec is losing a big one.
Marc Tanguay, interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois
It is a great among the great who is leaving us. Jean Lapointe has marked generations with his art and his commitment. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, spokesperson for Québec solidaire
I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Jean Lapointe who left us. Mr. Lapointe was an outstanding actor and a great musician. His melodies marked my childhood and he will have marked Quebec as a whole. Thank you for everything.
Paul St-Pierre-Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois
Throughout his life, Jean Lapointe was celebrated for his artistic contributions, philanthropy and service. He leaves us a remarkable legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans who mourn his passing.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
As an artist, as a senator and through his social involvement, Jean Lapointe left his mark on Quebec and all of Canada. An exceptional man whom I had the privilege of meeting in Ottawa. Today, my thoughts turn to his loved ones.
Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Under the shock and the jolt of the memories of my youth, I learn of the death of the great, touching and beautiful Jean Lapointe. I wish his loved ones, his family and the artists who worked with him, a serene sadness and beautiful memories too. Bon voyage to his laughter and his tears.
Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois
What a great artist this Jean Lapointe! Yes, he was a singer, musician, comedian, composer, etc. But he will always remain the exceptional actor who embodied Maurice Duplessis in all his nuances in the eponymous series. Moreover, the CBC should celebrate the 45e anniversary in January of this exceptional series by rebroadcasting it. Our sympathies to the loved ones and family of Mr. Lapointe.
Gérard Deltell, Member of the Conservative Party of Canada
How sad to learn today of the departure of a great man. Jean Lapointe, you have shaped part of our history. Your legacy and your person will forever be etched in our memories. Thank you for everything. Good rest. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party