Gérard Lanvin, a prominent figure in French cinema, was the guest of Laurent Delahousse on the show 20h30 le dimanche on April 27, 2025, where he discussed his latest role in the film Balle Perdue 3, set to premiere on Netflix on May 7, 2025. The 74-year-old actor, who has lived between France and Morocco for several years, opened up about his life, career, and personal challenges during the interview.
Lanvin has made a name for himself in the film industry, with a career that began in the 1970s. He gained widespread recognition thanks to his collaborations with comedian Coluche and has since starred in numerous successful films, including Le Prix du Danger and Le Fils Préféré, which earned him two César awards for Best Actor. His latest project, Balle Perdue 3, marks a significant return to the screen, showcasing his enduring appeal in action cinema.
In the interview, Lanvin revealed that he has settled in a stunning villa in Marrakech, Morocco, where he lives with his wife, Jennifer. He described the property as a "paradisiacal house, surrounded by a magnificent terrain." In a previous conversation with Télé-Star in 2022, he highlighted the affordability of real estate in Morocco, noting that his home with a vegetable garden and chickens costs about the same as a mere 2 square meters in Paris. "There, our house with land, a vegetable garden, and chickens costs the price of 2 m² in Paris," he stated.
Lanvin's choice to live in Morocco has not been without controversy. He faced criticism from some who accused him of evading taxes by residing outside of France. In response to these allegations, he clarified during the show that he splits his time between the two countries and pays his taxes in France when he works there. "When I work, I am in France, so I pay my taxes in France," he asserted, aiming to dispel any rumors about his financial obligations.
Aside from discussing his living situation, Lanvin also shared personal reflections, including the poignant experience of his father's death. His father, who suffered from lung cancer, chose to undergo euthanasia, a decision that profoundly impacted Lanvin. He recounted the moment he was called to the hospital, where his father, fearful of dying painfully, communicated his wish to end his life on his own terms. "My father found this doctor because he was afraid. He had lung cancer and was scared of dying suffocated or having an artery burst. I was obliged to come to the hospital one day, and I didn’t know it would be the day he would tell me 'it's the moment.' He told me with his eyes. I called the doctor we had discussed this with. He came and helped us ensure that my father left in the circumstances he desired," Lanvin said, revealing the depth of their bond and the emotional weight of that moment.
The loss of his father left a lasting mark on Lanvin, who described it as a "terrible illness" that he had to endure. He expressed the difficulty of keeping his promise to help his father during his final moments, stating, "It was very painful because I experienced something very particular with my father who told me, 'You will help me that day.' We talk about euthanasia. I kept my promise to my father. It’s very violent, very hard, and it gave me a terrible illness because I had to keep my word." His candidness about such a sensitive topic illustrates his commitment to addressing the complexities surrounding euthanasia, a subject he feels passionately about.
Lanvin's views on euthanasia are clear; he believes in the right to choose one's end of life. He stated, "I say this without shame because in this debate on euthanasia, I bother those who think it’s a baseless discussion. When you promise someone who asks you for help, I have the guts, I keep my word, and I do it." His remarks reflect a deep conviction that no one should be left in suffering and fear, emphasizing the importance of compassion in such difficult circumstances.
As he prepares for the release of Balle Perdue 3, Lanvin continues to reflect on his life journey, from his beginnings in café-theater to becoming a celebrated actor. He has navigated a career filled with diverse roles while maintaining a personal life that values simplicity and authenticity. Living in Morocco has allowed him to embrace a lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the hustle and bustle of Paris, where he has spent much of his career.
In a world where the pressures of fame can be overwhelming, Lanvin finds solace in his Moroccan home, where he enjoys the warmth of the sun, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasures of life, such as gardening and caring for his chickens. He appreciates the smiles of the people around him and the vibrant culture that surrounds him. "People smile. I love the smells, riding my bike in the countryside, and the sun is good for the morale, the skin, as well as the knees and shoulders, where I’m starting to have pain. Normal, at 74 years old!" he joked, showcasing his lighthearted approach to aging.
As he looks ahead to the future, Gérard Lanvin remains a beloved figure in French cinema, admired not only for his talent but also for his authenticity and willingness to engage in difficult conversations about life and death. His story is a testament to the complexity of the human experience, reminding us all of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the choices we make.
