On March 30, 2025, Isabelle Nanty appeared as a guest on Frédéric Lopez's show "Un dimanche à la campagne," where she shared revealing anecdotes from her unconventional childhood. Joining her were chef Grégory Cohen and journalist Jamy Gourmand, who listened intently as Nanty recounted her formative years in a small village in the Meuse department of France.
Nanty, now 63, grew up in Mussey, a quaint village of approximately 250 inhabitants, alongside her father, a wood merchant and former mayor, and her Norwegian mother. Reflecting on her upbringing, she described it as wild and carefree, spent exploring the natural surroundings. "When I was younger, I believe I was wilder, more carefree. I lived in nature, in the countryside, so we did crazy things," she recalled, highlighting the freedom she experienced as a child.
The actress painted a vivid picture of her childhood environment, which she described as both beautiful and dangerous. Living next to a canal, she recalled how it was not uncommon to encounter tragic events. "There was a certain atmosphere; it was crazy," she said, referencing the writer Georges Simenon, known for his noir novels. "There were women who committed suicide in the canal, and we found men who had fought and died. It was quite a scene." This dangerous backdrop, she noted, contributed to her adventurous spirit.
In a particularly darkly humorous anecdote, Nanty shared how the father of her childhood friend was a carpenter who made coffins. "When the coffins were ready, we would sneak down with a little stool and try them out," she said, laughing at the memory. "We thought it was so cool to be in there." This candidness about her childhood experiences drew gasps and laughter from Lopez and the other guests.
However, Nanty’s path to becoming an actress was not without its challenges. She revealed that she struggled academically due to dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, which made her school years particularly difficult. "I didn’t fit into the boxes," she explained, emphasizing her feelings of being out of place. "I was unhappy in boarding school; it was not a pleasant experience. The nuns were strict, and I was in love all the time, so I was bored to death!"
Despite these hurdles, she discovered her passion for theater at the age of 16. Although she faced rejection from the Conservatoire, Nanty persevered, joining a theater troupe and eventually studying at Cours Florent, where her talent was recognized by the actor Francis Huster. "It was a turning point for me. I had to be on my toes and learned what it meant to act with someone else," she said, recalling her early experiences in theater.
One of her first significant roles came in the 1990 film "Tatie Danielle," where she starred alongside the esteemed actress Tsilla Chelton. Nanty recounted a memorable incident during filming where she had to slap Chelton, who was 75 at the time. "She told me to really hit her, saying it didn’t matter," Nanty recalled. Yet, in a twist of fate, after delivering the slap, Chelton pretended to faint, leading Nanty to panic, thinking she had harmed her. "I was in tears, thinking I had killed someone on set!" she said, eliciting laughter from her audience.
In addition to her professional journey, Nanty opened up about her personal life. In a candid moment, she acknowledged feeling she had "missed" out on love, having faced the reality of being unable to have children naturally due to her mother's use of the drug Distilbène during pregnancy. This medication, prescribed to prevent miscarriages, had severe repercussions for the daughters of those who took it, leading to infertility and other health issues.
Despite this, Nanty found fulfillment through adoption. In 2004, she welcomed her daughter Tallulah into her life when Tallulah was just 18 months old. "She’s the most exceptional person I know, funny and intelligent," Nanty said with pride, describing her daughter as a source of joy and inspiration. "She has educated me as much as I have tried to educate her," she added.
Throughout the episode, Nanty’s stories were interspersed with humor and honesty, showcasing her resilient spirit. She reflected on her insecurities about her height, standing at just 1.52 meters, and how it influenced her self-perception. "I felt strange, always looking up at people. It conditions you when you’re always looking up. You can’t really boast!"
Ultimately, Nanty’s journey from a wild child in a small village to a celebrated actress is a testament to her determination and passion. Her candid reflections on her childhood, struggles, and triumphs resonated with viewers, offering a glimpse into the life of a woman who has embraced her unique path.
As the episode wrapped up, it was clear that Isabelle Nanty’s story is not just one of success in acting but also a rich tapestry of experiences that shaped her into the person she is today. With laughter, honesty, and a touch of nostalgia, she left her audience with a deeper understanding of the complexities of her life and career.
