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Bernadette Chirac dies at 93; former First Lady and widow of Jacques Chirac passes away

Bernadette Chirac died on June 6, 2026, at the age of 93, bringing to a close a life defined by steadfast commitment to local politics and the nonprofit sector. Former First Lady of France and wife of Jacques Chirac, she notably led the Pièces Jaunes campaign for more than twenty years and held several elected posts in Corrèze. A look at the career of a discreet yet influential figure in French public life.

Anthony Head, best known for his role as Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died.

Anthony Head, the British actor best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has died at 72 following pneumonia. He left an enduring mark on television with his portrayal of Rupert Giles.

Marjane Satrapi, the author of Persepolis, has died.

The Franco-Iranian artist Marjane Satrapi, renowned worldwide for her graphic novel and the film Persepolis, has died at the age of 56 on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Her family confirmed the news to AFP, noting the passing of Mattias Ripa, her husband, who died in April 2025.

Michel Bassompierre, renowned animal sculptor, dies at 78.

His bears will no longer watch over him. The renowned sculptor Michel Bassompierre died on April 21, 2026, at the age of 78 in Nantes, leaving behind The Arch, teeming with soft and silent shapes.

Nadia Farès, star of The Crimson Rivers, has died at 57.

Nadia Farès, a Franco-Moroccan actress known for Les Rivières pourpres and Marseille, has died at 57 on April 17, 2026 in Paris, after being hospitalized following an accident at a pool in the 9th arrondissement. Born in Marrakech in 1968, she emerged in the 1990s and went on to shine in both cinema and television. The actress leaves behind a career marked by Les Démons de Jésus, Nid de Guêpes, her return in Marseille, and several projects that were still in the works in 2026.

Death of Nathalie Baye at 77: one of French cinema's great actresses has died.

A major figure in French cinema, Nathalie Baye died this Saturday, April 18, at the age of 77. Discovered by François Truffaut's Day for Night, the four-time César Award winner leaves behind a remarkable body of work, blending strong roles with collaborations with acclaimed directors and a career that has earned recognition far beyond France.

Death of Loana: Former Loft Story star passes away at 48

Revealed in the early 2000s through Loft Story, Loana became the face of the rise of reality TV in France's audiovisual scene. The former contestant, who quickly rose to national fame, has passed away at 48, according to Paris Match.

Death of Isabelle Mergault, actress and director, at 67

The actress, director, and comedian Isabelle Mergault passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Neuilly-sur-Seine at the age of 67, following a battle with cancer. Known for her roles in popular comedies and as the director of Je vous trouve très beau, she was also a familiar face on RTL’s Les Grosses Têtes. Throughout her career, she made a notable mark in film, theater, writing, and radio.

Bruno Salomone has died: the actor from Fais pas ci, fais pas ça was 55.

Actor and comedian Bruno Salomone, best known for his role as Denis Bouley in Fais pas ci, fais pas ça, died at the age of 55 on March 15, 2026, according to a statement from his agent on behalf of his family. A look back at the career of this figure in French television, cinema, and voice work.

James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 48 after battling colorectal cancer.

James Van Der Beek, the American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the iconic series Dawson’s Creek, passed away on February 11, 2026, in the United States at the age of 48 due to stage 3 colorectal cancer, his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek announced. Rising to fame in the late 1990s, Van Der Beek had publicly revealed his illness in November 2024. He leaves behind his wife and their six children.

Death of Tchéky Karyo: the actor from Nikita and L'Ours has passed away at the age of 72.

Actor Tchéky Karyo died at the age of 72 following a battle with cancer. Born in Istanbul and a leading figure in French cinema, he leaves behind a career marked by roles in L'Ours, Nikita, and Belle et Sébastien.

Hulk Hogan, American wrestler and comedian, died aged 71

American wrestler Hulk Hogan passed away this Thursday morning at the age of 71, at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following cardiac arrest. An iconic figure in the WWE, he had recently been hospitalized several times for health problems, including neck surgery last May.

Julian McMahon, known for his roles in The Fantastic 4, Charmed and Nip/Tuck, has died

Australian actor Julian McMahon died of cancer on July 2, 2025 at the age of 56. Star of Nip/Tuck and Charmed, he leaves behind a distinguished career in television and film.

Pope Francis dies at the Vatican, aged 88

Pope Francis, an emblematic and charismatic figure of the Catholic Church, left us on April 21, 2025 March 2025 at the age of 88. A look back at the life and career of this pontiff, who left his mark on history through his commitment to the most disadvantaged and his openness to interreligious dialogue.

Val Kilmer, star of Top Gun and Batman Forever, has died aged 65

Val Kilmer, American star revealed in Top Gun in 1986 and famous for his roles in Batman Forever and The Doors, died of pneumonia at the age of 65 on April 1, 2025 in Los Angeles. The actor, in remission from throat cancer since 2014, had left his mark on Hollywood cinema in the 1990s with his charisma and unforgettable performances.

Herbert Léonard, lead singer of Pour le plaisir, dies aged 80

Herbert Léonard, interpreter of the hit Pour le plaisir, died at the age of 80 on March 2, 2025 of lung cancer. A look back at the career of this French crooner.

Gene Hackman, film legend and portrayer of Lex Luthor in the Superman trilogy, has died

Gene Hackman, Oscar-winning actor for French Connection and Merciless, and portrayer of Lex Luthor in the Superman trilogy with Christopher Reeves, died at his home in Santa Fe on February 26, 2025 at the age of 95, at the side of his wife Betsy Arakawa.

Catherine Laborde, famous weather presenter, has died

Catherine Laborde, the emblematic figure of TF1's weather show for 28 years, passed away at the age of 73 on January 28, 2025. Suffering from Lewy body disease since 2014, she leaves behind a career marked by her presence on the small screen, but also by her activities as an author and actress.

Bertrand Blier, director of Les Valseuses, has died

Bertrand Blier, one of the most influential filmmakers of French cinema, died at the age of 85 on Monday, January 20, 2025, at his home in Paris. Director of such landmark films as Les Valseuses, Buffet froid and Trop belle pour toi, he leaves behind a controversial, multi-award-winning body of work.

James Earl Jones, famous voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, has died

James Earl Jones, the unforgettable voice actor of Darth Vader in "Star Wars" and Mufasa in "The Lion King", died on Monday September 9 at the age of 93. A look back at the career of this giant of film and theater, who won numerous awards throughout his life.