Maxime Le Flaguais has embarked on an emotional and reflective project, co-authoring the book Michel Côté et nous, 50 regards sur l'homme et son œuvre with Pierre Gince. This work delves deeply not only at the life of his father, the well-respected actor Michel Côté, but also on the myriad of relationships and the human side of the iconic figure.
The book comprises 50 heartfelt testimonials from people who had the privilege of knowing Côté. Among them are notable colleagues such as Louis-Josée Houde, Antoine Bertrand, and Émile Gaudreault, along with family members, neighbors, and even his financial advisor who was also his friend. Maxime explains the significance of having diverse perspectives, stating, "It was important to have people who would approach my father's case from different angles," indicative of the varied experiences these individuals shared with the beloved actor.
During his lifetime, Michel Côté had been approached multiple times by biographers hoping to pen his story, but he consistently turned down these offers. Maxime attributes this reluctance to the modest nature of his father, reflecting on this choice by saying, "De son vivant, mon père s'était fait approcher par des biographes et avait toujours refusé les offres, je pense, par modestie." Though these offers were tempting, Côté would rather maintain the mystery around his personal life, possibly preferring to let the tales of his life be told through the voices of those who truly knew him.
The idea of the book, according to Maxime, came from recognizing the need for original storytelling—something more authentic than standard biography. "I liked the idea of testimonials because I found it original," said Maxime, "and I think my father would have probably liked this format more, which is more casual." This speaks volumes about how the family perceives Côté's legacy, as they believe he would have appreciated the informal nature of sharing stories rather than being the focus of formal biographies.
During interviews, including one on the show Vivement le retour, Maxime revealed how the project came to fruition. He, alongside his mother and brother, sat down to brainstorm potential contributors for the testimonials. “C'est ma mère, mon frère et moi qui nous sommes attablés pour brainstormer et trouver des noms [pour les 50 témoignages].” He admits it wasn't easy—there was so much interest and so many people would have liked to share their thoughts on Côté, reflecting how well-loved and respected he was. "It’s true it was difficult because there could have been many more if we had unlimited options,” he candidly mentioned.
Through the book’s pages, readers are introduced to various angles of Michel Côté’s life, not only showcasing his remarkable talent but also his kindness and approachability, traits warmly noted by friends and colleagues alike. The inclusion of voices from different backgrounds, such as neighbors from Stoke and technicians from his productions at Broue who collaborated with him for many years, adds depth to the personal narrative, emphasizing how Côté transcended his role as merely an actor—he was part of their lives.
Maxime describes the family's aim of incorporating voices from varied facets of Côté’s life: “On voulait des gens de différents milieux,” reinforcing the diverse experiences of those who interacted with his father, ensuring the portrayal is rich and multifaceted.
The procedural intricacies behind gathering testimonials also reflect on the closure of personal relationships. The process was more than just writing; it was akin to family therapy for Maxime and his relatives. Each story shared becomes part of the collective memory of Côté, allowing his family to process their feelings and honor his legacy simultaneously. It breathes life back to memories shared, and, as Maxime shared, it gave them the unique opportunity to relive happy memories through the narratives crafted by loved ones and friends.
Maxime believes this blend of reflections and remembrances creates not just a book but also offers readers the chance to form their opinions of Côté's character from the contributions of others. This is what makes Michel Côté et nous more than just another biography; it becomes a heartfelt celebration of life, one where audiences can experience utilitarian perspectives and unfiltered emotions—a living reminder of the man behind the laughter.
This work offers audiences insight not only about who Michel Côté was as a performer but also insight about the type of individual he was away from the spotlight—his friendships, his family ties, and the simple joys he found within everyday moments. For those who admired the actor or even those newly acquainted with his reputation, this book serves as both a poignant farewell and as an invitation to keep the legacy alive through shared anecdotes, narratives, and cherished memories.
By weaving together the voices echoing through generations, Maxime and Pierre have crafted more than just pages filled with text; they created something just as timeless and meaningful as the impact Michel Côté left on both those who knew him and the audience whose hearts he touched through his craft. It resonates with the beauty of memory, family, and the storytelling tradition, showcasing how one man can live on through the stories of others.
