Francis Perrin is back on stage, captivating audiences once more with his undeniable talent and charm. Fresh from the success of Didier Caron’s play, Le Duplex, which saw packed houses and garnered significant acclaim, Perrin's triumphant return on September 12 has delighted fans of French theatre.
Among the vibrant cast, which includes the likes of Anny Duperey and Pascal Légitimus, Perrin shines both as an actor and as someone with deeply personal stories to share. Recently, he opened up about a poignant aspect of his life during interviews—his son Louis's diagnosis of autism.
Louis was diagnosed with severe autism when he was only three years old, and Perrin recalls the almost crushing diagnosis and the doctor's startling advice: "You must mourn your child," he was told. The psychiatrist's words, harsh yet clear, left both Perrin and his wife, Gersende, reeling during what was already a challenging time.
“It was exhausting,” Perrin, now 77, shared. "At the time, it felt like we were losing everything we hoped for. It’s hard to find the right path amid so much uncertainty.” The couple faced darkness head-on as they navigated through the maze of autism—a term often shrouded in fear and misinformation. Yet through their collective struggle, they cultivated resilience, finding strength within their family unit.
Today, Perrin expresses calmness about Louis's state, emphasizing, "Louis is independent, Louis is well, Louis is happy." This optimism is not just bluster; it reflects genuine progress they have witnessed. Louis has embraced his artistic surroundings and is stepping onto the stage himself, following the familial tradition. Encouraged by his supportive family, he is thriving.
The Perrins' advice for others facing similar struggles is warmly resounding. They’ve learned the importance of unity, with Francis stating, "We were two; we were even four because his brother and sister were amazing too." Louis’s siblings have shown immense support, actively engaging with him not only as siblings but also as allies.
Perrin recognizes the sacrifices made by Gersende, who put much of her career on hold to care for Louis. Yet, he also reflects on the rewards of their hard work and the joy it has brought them, “It was tough, but the results are so wonderful it all fades away,” he said, smiling at the thought of his son’s accomplishments.
Louis’s growth is something spectacular to witness. “Louis is autonomous, he is well, he is happy,” concludes Perrin, his pride evident as he speaks. It’s clear this familial bond underpins their narrative of courage—a heartwarming reminder for all dealing with similar challenges.
Perrin’s story, blending professional triumphs with personal adversity, reflects the complex nature of parental love and advocacy. Their life together is one of support, joy, and unwavering hope, marking not only the triumph of Francis’s return to the spotlight but also the bright future of their son, Louis. Each act, each performance is now about more than just the play; it’s about the life they’ve built together amid the struggles of autism.
