On March 4, 2025, actress Anny Duperey stars in the French TV movie "Mort d'un berger," airing on France 3 at 9:05 PM. The plot revolves around Patrick, a shepherd who falls victim to a tragic incident, leading his mother, Marceline, to seek revenge, only to discover the truth behind the attack is much darker than she imagined.
Beyond her acting career, Duperey shares her personal connections to the story through reflections on her life and cherished home. She has two children, Sara and Gael, from her long-term relationship with the late Bernard Giraudeau, who left behind not only memories but also their beloved country house.
The house is located in Chatelus-Malvaleix, a quaint village of 500 inhabitants situated in Creuse, France, which is also the second least populated department of the country. Giraudeau originally bought this house with his first earnings from acting, and over the past four decades, it has become more than just a residence for Duperey; it’s her refuge, where she tends to her four-hectare garden.
With the garden serving as her creative sanctuary, Duperey has cultivated lush landscapes by planting various trees, such as Japanese flowering cherry trees and elegant maples. She fondly describes her gardening philosophy: "I like large things; nothing I have is less than 60 centimeters. I aim to create something pictorial," emphasizing her artistic approach to gardening. Her passion blossomed here, diverging from her prior urban lifestyle, leading her to embrace nature and learn about the land.
Reflecting on her transformation, Duperey stated, "Before, I was very city-oriented, born and raised in Rouen. I had no interest at all, but my passion for gardening grew here." Her time spent nurturing this garden has been fundamental to her identity, not just as the actress known for her roles but as what she refers to as "an agricultural actress," which indicates her dedication to this craft.
The community of Chatelus-Malvaleix has embraced Anny Duperey, recalling her friendly demeanor and heartfelt engagement with the townsfolk. She is remembered for visiting the local shops, like the "most amiable hardware store owner," to buy various gardening tools, highlighting her relatable personality amid her star status. Another local resident affectionately remarked about her connection to the Creuse region: "I love her because she speaks about our area with so much love and kindness."
Her home and garden are not just private sanctuaries; they are places she has openly shared with the media. Anny Duperey revealed her gardening methods and stories to France 5 during the show "Silence ça pousse" back in 2020. She candidly described the division of labor between herself and Giraudeau—"He was more concerned about inventing things, but once they were planted, upkeep was not for him," illuminating their fascinating dynamic and differing qualities between them as they shaped their garden.
The upcoming television film adds another layer to Duperey’s public persona and personal narrative, capturing her resilience, creativity, and devotion to family and community. "Mort d'un berger" paints the backdrop of her career today and symbolizes her intertwined existence with the land she cherishes.
Her reflections and rootedness to place also intersect with her broader views on life and death, symbolized through her work. The approaching broadcast hence serves as not only entertainment but as representation—a chance for the audience to understand 'the present.' Duperey's experiences and stories are interwoven inseparably with the roles she plays and the life she lives. Embracing her identity as both naturalist and performer, Anny Duperey remains resilient as she walks between these worlds, continuously updating and sharing her narrative.
While Duperey does not shy away from personal pain, she also celebrates beauty's presence, completing her story with insights drawn from love, loss, and the lessons taught by nature itself. It’s the harmony of her two lives, the one on screen and off of it, showcased beautifully through her deep roots planted firmly in the earth.