Laura Felpin, a rising star in the French entertainment industry, is set to captivate audiences with her upcoming romantic comedy, L’Amour, c’est surcoté, directed by Mourad Winter. The film, which hits theaters on April 23, 2025, features Felpin alongside Hakim Jemili, who plays Anis, a fragile thirty-year-old struggling to form new connections after the death of his best friend. This film, which received a special mention from the jury at the 2025 Festival du film de comédie de l’Alpe-d’Huez, challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing a man who is emotionally vulnerable in a society that often pressures men to suppress their feelings.
In L’Amour, c’est surcoté, Felpin portrays Madeleine, a young woman whose outgoing and communicative nature starkly contrasts with Anis’s reserved demeanor. Their dynamic brings humor and depth to the narrative, as the film explores themes of brotherhood, tenderness, and the importance of emotional expression. Felpin's character is central to helping Anis navigate his grief and rediscover the joys of life.
However, behind the scenes of this comedic venture, Felpin is facing a personal battle. The 35-year-old actress revealed in an interview with GQ on March 31, 2025, that she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. This diagnosis came after she noticed a growth on her neck, which was later confirmed to be cancerous. Despite the gravity of her condition, Felpin approaches her illness with remarkable optimism, stating, "I have the best of cancers, I think. There are others that are much more aggressive." She emphasizes the importance of discussing health openly, saying, "It’s important to talk about it publicly. For me, it’s part of life. I can tell people that it’s difficult for me."
Since her diagnosis, Felpin has undergone surgery to remove her thyroid and is now on Levothyrox, a medication that she will need to take for life. She candidly shared her experiences with the side effects of the treatment, including hair loss and insomnia, describing how her body has been reacting to the hormonal changes. "I’m losing my hair right now—it’s okay because I have a lot, but they don’t feel the same anymore," she explained in an interview with Society. Felpin also mentioned that she experiences muscle tension and has had episodes of tachycardia, which are symptoms of hyperthyroidism related to her treatment.
Despite these challenges, Felpin remains focused on her career and the upcoming release of L’Amour, c’est surcoté. She has been a prominent figure in the French entertainment scene, winning the Molière de l’humour in 2023 for her show Ça passe. Her versatility as an actress has garnered her acclaim in both comedic and dramatic roles, including her recent performances in the series Bref and the Netflix film Banger.
Felpin’s journey in the entertainment industry began after she graduated with a diploma in performing arts from Strasbourg. She later moved to Paris to hone her craft further, attending the Atelier Blanche Salant & Paul Weaver, where she met her writing partner, Cédric Salaun. Together, they have created works that resonate with audiences, blending humor with poignant themes.
In addition to her acting career, Felpin is also known for her candid discussions about her life experiences, including her upbringing in Mulhouse, Alsace. Raised by a mother who was a clown and a ceramics teacher of Italian descent, and a Vietnamese father who worked as a specialized educator, Felpin embraces her multicultural background. She reflects on her childhood, saying, "It’s a huge wealth that I didn’t necessarily measure at first. Now it’s becoming almost a quest in my life to understand it more."
Felpin’s openness about her struggles with self-image and health adds another layer to her public persona. She has spoken about her childhood experiences with strabismus and the surgery she underwent at a young age, which has shaped her approach to comedy and performance. "It pushed me to be funny. That’s how I functioned in the world," she stated, highlighting the resilience that has characterized her life.
As she prepares for the release of L’Amour, c’est surcoté, Felpin is not only promoting her film but also using her platform to raise awareness about thyroid cancer. Her determination to live life fully, despite her diagnosis, serves as an inspiration to many. She encourages others to face their challenges with courage and humor, embodying the very spirit of her upcoming film.
In the midst of her health battle, Felpin continues to find joy in her work and the connections she makes through her performances. Her ability to blend humor with sincerity resonates deeply with audiences, making her one of the most compelling figures in contemporary French cinema.
With L’Amour, c’est surcoté set to release soon, fans are eager to see how Felpin’s personal experiences influence her portrayal of Madeleine and the overall narrative of the film. As she navigates her health challenges and career, Laura Felpin remains a testament to the power of resilience, humor, and the importance of emotional authenticity in both life and art.
