The interpreter of the co-pilot in the film Piché: between heaven and earth, Vincent Leclerc, paid a vibrant tribute to his missing commander and game master, Michel Côté.
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Whoever played the role of Dirk de Jager (the co-pilot who made the heroic flight alongside Captain Piché) in Sylvain Archambault’s 2010 film made a point of emphasizing his admiration for the acting and work ethic of this “great actor”.
“Initially, like all Quebecers, I was a spectator. I was a fan,” he wrote in a long Facebook post.
“Then I was his colleague…almost 15 years ago, on Piché: between heaven and earth. I came away with even more admiration.”
He explains that this role of co-pilot alongside an actor of the caliber of Michel Côté was ideal for the young actor that he was.
“I didn’t have much to play for: an ‘equal’, yes in theory, but a subordinate, who listens, who follows… who learns. I was sitting next to tall Michel, very intimidated despite my ten years of experience, and I was trying to follow without diverting the plane. Exactly like my character, lol! And… I was taking notes. The young actor obviously learns a lot alongside Michel.
Photo courtesy, Eve Lavoie
Vincent Leclerc
The interpreter, who had success with the role of Séraphin Poudrier in the modern version of Upper country, also praises the talent “all in sensitivity, efficiency and intelligence” of his model and mentor.
- Vincent Leclerc recounted his experience with the famous actor on Philippe-Vincent Foisy’s show via QUB-radio :
“But what marks the most and what built me the most is the ease, the kindness and the generosity with which he treated his colleagues on the set. All equal in his eyes, all important, ”he continues.
The artist ends his eulogy by quoting the American poet Walt Whitman, to the verses made famous by Robin Williams in the film The Society of Dead Poets. He played the role of a free-thinking teacher, in love with life, becoming a mentor for his students by helping them find what makes them intrinsically happy. “O captain, my captain!”
“Thank you Michael. I will continue all my life to have a thought for you when I take the plane.
You with whom I made one of my most beautiful trips. O Captain, my Captain!»
