Chantal Ladesou, the beloved French actress and comedian, recently captivated audiences with her appearance on TF1's daily show, Bonjour !, hosted by Bruce Toussaint, on March 3rd. Known for her candid demeanor and humor, Ladesou not only discussed her role in the upcoming episode of the series Le fil d’Ariane, but she also opened up about past experiences, sharing both amusing and alarming anecdotes.
During the show, the topic of carpooling emerged, prompting Ladesou to reflect on her youth when she hitchhiked. "I hitchhiked quite a bit. It’s dangerous; I did it without telling my parents," she candidly expressed, cautioning viewers about the risks involved. When Toussaint pressed her for humorous hitchhiking stories, she shared a memory fraught with danger. "Once, something not funny happened. There was this man with a fruit and vegetable truck. Suddenly, he veered off the highway; he took me to the countryside and jumped on me. So, I ran away and walked for what seemed like ages... I took risks," she recalled. The audience was momentarily struck, and though her story was alarming, Ladesou maintained her characteristic smile as she reassured everyone, "It’s not very serious; I didn’t get hurt," showcasing her ability to find humor even in dark times.
Following this heartfelt sharing, the conversation shifted back to the lighter theme of carpooling on Parisian highways, where new lanes have been designated to encourage mutual rides. This continued discussion served as both cautionary guidance and encouragement for safe transportation.
Chantal Ladesou is no stranger to television, receiving significant attention recently not only for her role on TF1 but also as one of the judges on Mask Singer. Her public appearances have been frequent and widely publicized, and she continues to engage audiences with her unique blend of humor and honesty. Ladesou recently shared her enthusiasm for her latest character, Ariane Legrand, describing her as more than just another role. She explained, "I’m thrilled because it’s nice to step back and get comfortable; the wonderful authors, Clara Bourreau and Cécile Lugiez, have worked on it for two years. They came to see me at the theater, observed who I was, and talked to me. It’s just wonderful."
The actress expressed pride for Ariane, who embodies more than just her essence. "She’s a real woman with her issues relating to aging. Even as she shines in her investigations, she faces the reality of being replaced by someone younger. This series blends despair, tenderness, whimsy, seriousness, and modernity. I am not disappointed with the outcome," she shared enthusiastically.
While Ladesou thrives on the set, she also revealed her deep appreciation for criminal justice-related shows, confessing, "I have a peculiar taste for investigations. I love listening to the pleadings of great lawyers and shows like Faites entrer l’accusé. It’s something I adore, though I’m extremely scared." Despite her fears, Ladesou admitted to enjoying these shows with her husband, often falling asleep through episodes to catch up. "When I was younger, if I had worked as hard as I should have at school, I wanted to be a lawyer to defend people. It interested me, so stepping inside the shoes of this judicial commentator who loves her job was easy. She is passionate, and very fit for her age,” Ladesou noted with pride.
When discussing her co-star, Florent Peyre, she described their chemistry on set: "We had crossed paths at humor venues without really knowing each other, but it clicked immediately! He’s generous, open, and very funny. We appreciate each other," she expressed warmly. Despite being worried about their paired talents, Ladesou quickly recognized Peyre’s strengths during rehearsals, embracing their harmonious relationship during filming.
Beyond her career, Ladesou also shows resilience and strength when discussing personal tragedy. She openly reflected on the heartbreaking loss of her son, Alix Ansault, who died tragically in 1998. "When this tragedy came to me, I was engaged in performing a very funny play called Ma femme est drôle. My colleagues did everything to support my return. That truly helped me," she recounted during her conversations with Nikos Aliagas. During other interviews, including one with Paris Match, she disclosed, "I was often crying in my dressing room, taking to stage still tearful. Nevertheless, the crowd's energy recharged me..." This acknowledgment of how humor and connection with her fans acted as solace during her sorrow highlights Ladesou's courage and authenticity.
Through her performances and public appearances, Chantal Ladesou continues to be not just a source of laughter but also inspiration for many, showing her capacity to tackle serious subjects with grace and making the best of life's varied experiences.