Jean-Pierre Foucault, beloved host of the upcoming Miss France 2025 pageant, shared a memorable encounter with actress Sophie Marceau, during his long-standing career on French television. The story, brimming with whimsy and awkwardness, unfolded during the filming of his popular show Soirée sacrée, which was on air between 1987 and 1994, and again from 2007 to 2009.
While promoting the pageant on RTL’s program Nous faisons à nouveau de la télé, Foucault recounted the incident with Marceau, which left him both amused and slightly embarrassed. He narrated, "C’est unique quand même…" (It’s unique after all…) as he shared the details of the encounter.
Initially, Marceau was set to attend the show to promote her film Chouans! by Philippe de Broca. But things took a surprising turn when she called Foucault to state, "Mais je n’ai jamais donné mon consentement !" (But I never gave my consent!). This unexpected phone call led Foucault to contact her press agent for clarification. They were informed of "un problème" (a problem) from Marceau's side, prompting Foucault to express his frustration, stating, "On a fait toute la promotion sur sa présence, ce n’est pas possible" (We did all the promotion around her presence, this is not possible).
Marceau, undeterred, insisted she would tell everyone why she wouldn’t show up. True to her word, she arrived at the studio to explain her absence, saying, "Puisque c’est comme ça que je vais y aller et dire pourquoi je ne viens pas" (Since it’s like this, I’m going to go and say why I’m not coming). Foucault couldn't help but reminisce about the sheer absurdity of the moment as he continued with the story.
Despite the initial turmoil, she eventually appeared on the show, illustrating her adherence to theatricality even when it came to absences. Éric Dussart, the program host, couldn’t resist adding humor to the narrative, exclaiming, "Alors à la fin, elle est quand même venue !" (So at the end, she did come!).
Foucault continued to express his astonishment over the situation on his podcast Foucault & Co, stating, "J’ai essayé de contacter Sophie Marceau pour lui dire que ce n’était pas normal qu’elle ne vienne pas" (I tried to reach out to Sophie Marceau to tell her it wasn’t right for her not to come). He fondly recounted, "si je dois t’expliquer pourquoi je ne viens pas ce soir alors je n’ai pas été prévenu" (if I have to explain why I’m not coming tonight, then I wasn’t informed) - displaying her straightforward nature.
This encounter has carved out a unique space in Foucault’s storied career, made even more significant by the fact it was the first time, to his recollection, an artist had made such overtures to explain their no-show. Reflecting on his extensive experiences as one of France’s most recognized television hosts, this incident with Sophie Marceau stands out, embodying both the unpredictability and charm of live television.
With humor interlaced throughout the telling, every detail imparted during this recounting speaks to the culture of celebrity and entertainment. It shows how spontaneity can sometimes create the most enduring stories, handing them down through the legends of those who entertain us.
Jean-Pierre Foucault’s career continues to thrive as he prepares for another Miss France broadcast, celebrating decades of unforgettable encounters, laughter, and unique experiences just like the one with Sophie Marceau—a reminder of why we turn to the screen, seeking those moments of surprise and connection.
