Bernard Pivot, a leading figure in French journalism and a fervent defender of the French language, passed away on Monday May 6, 2024 at the age of 89 in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Born in Lyon on May 5, 1935, he began his career as a journalist at Le Progrès before moving on to Le Figaro littéraire. But it was on television that Bernard Pivot became a household name, thanks to his cult programs that marked the history of French television.
Creator and host of Apostrophes on Antenne 2 from 1975 to 1990, Bernard Pivot revolutionized the literary world of television by inviting renowned literary figures to discuss and debate live. The program featured authors such as Vladimir Nabokov, Marguerite Duras and Charles Bukowski, providing a spectacle of lively and sometimes heated discussion that captivated millions of viewers. His commitment to culture continued with Bouillon de culture, broadening his horizons to include cinema and art until 2001.
In addition to his broadcasts, Bernard Pivot is also known for his contribution to the French language through initiatives such as the Dictée de Pivot, broadcast annually from 1985 to 2005, which put spelling back at the heart of public debate. A writer himself, he has published a number of works, including essays on his passions for wine and soccer, and was a member and then president of theAcadémie Goncourt from 2004 to 2019.
Very active on social networks, he shared his thoughts and literary pleasures with a wide audience, demonstrating his adaptability to new modes of communication. His latest work, Mais la vie continue, offers a glimpse into the daily life of a man facing old age, testifying to his ever lively and inquisitive mind. Bernard Pivot leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of French literature and television, having indelibly shaped our access to culture and literature.
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