On January 5, 2025, renowned comedian Gad Elmaleh took center stage on France 2's program 20h30 le dimanche, engaging viewers as he spoke with host Laurent Delahousse. The interview offered a rich exploration of Elmaleh's life, his career, and pivotal moments within the vibrant backdrop of Montmartre, where he recently acquired the iconic cabaret "Chez Michou." This venue, celebrated for its transformative performances, found itself on the brink of closure following the death of its legendary founder but is now revitalized under Elmaleh’s ownership.
With his new show, "Lui-même," set to premiere at the Dôme de Paris on January 28, Elmaleh shared his excitement about this upcoming project, which will see him touring across France until June 2025. Landing the cabaret is just one of the comedian's many ventures, but it resonates deeply with his commitment to celebrating the arts and French culture.
Reflecting on his career, Elmaleh took the audience on a personal tour of his experiences, addressing the challenges he has faced—including persistent claims of plagiarism made against him back in 2017. He admitted, "I have committed mistakes, and I have learned from them," conveying his desire for honesty and growth.
One of the more compelling revelations during the talk was Elmaleh’s status as a foreign national living in France without French citizenship. "I do not have the French passport; I never took citizenship," he candidly stated, which raised eyebrows and questions among viewers. "To be honest, I had started the process long ago, but it felt like such hard work, I just gave up." This declaration opened the door to discussing the artist's unique position as someone who has thrived as an immigrant, experiencing the warmth and acceptance from the French public throughout his career.
Elmaleh put emphasis on this identity, stating, "I loved the idea of being an immigrant living my life and feeling secure and beloved by the French without needing to be French." His perspective as both an outsider and prevailing figure within the comedic arts provides insights not only about his own life but also about broader themes of acceptance and community.
Throughout the interview, Elmaleh struck notes of vulnerability, sharing insights on parenting. He reminisced about his two sons, Noé and Raphaël, and how his views on fatherhood have evolved over time. Reflecting on his relationship with them, he remarked, "There are aspects where I am doing well and others where I struggle. The constant remains—I want to be present and transmit values, but with my younger son, I find I have much more patience." This sentiment highlights the comedian’s recognition of how family life intersects with his professional commitments, especially during the more demanding phases of his career.
Elmaleh also mentioned his joy at becoming a grandfather, with the recent birth of his granddaughter, Ely. "It’s amazing!" he exclaimed, sharing the excitement of this new chapter. This blend of personal and professional narratives resonates with audiences, often drawing parallels between the life of humorists and their art. The emotional depth displayed during this interview allows viewers to connect with Elmaleh on multiple levels—appreciation for his comedic talents and empathy for his life experiences.
Lastly, during his time on air, Elmaleh clarified his commitment to the craft of stand-up comedy. He likened the discipline and dedication it demands to the rigorous training of elite athletes. "Being on stage requires not just talent but perseverance, just like preparing for any significant performance week after week," he explained, hinting at the immense effort behind the laughter.
Delahousse’s conversation with Gad Elmaleh serves not only as an engaging dialogue about comedy but also invites contemplation on questions of identity, success, and the personal struggles many face behind the scenes. With his new projects and renewed mission of hosting at Chez Michou, Gad Elmaleh continues to embody the spirit of artistic innovation, reminding us all how laughter can act as bridge between cultures and backgrounds.
For those who missed this enlightening exchange, it is available for replay on France.tv, ensuring audiences can catch up with one of the favorite comedic figures of France, exploring the man behind the humor.