Omar Sy, the much-loved French actor known for his iconic role in the film Intouchables, brought humor and warmth to his appearance on Les rencontres du Papotin on March 8, 2025, where he engaged with journalists who have autism spectrum disorders. Right from the start of the show on France 2, Sy was met with unexpected banter when he attempted to change seats, showcasing the playful and candid nature of the program.
Upon his arrival, the atmosphere quickly transformed as the 20-year-old journalist asked him if he liked to dance. Sy's eyes lit up as he responded, "Yes, of course I love dancing. It liberates me!" With encouragement from Sy, the room soon became filled with laughter and movement, breaking down formal barriers between the actor and the journalists. Sy’s infectious enthusiasm led to many joining him on the dance floor, highlighting the program's unique style of interviews conducted entirely by autistic individuals.
Throughout the episode, Omar Sy reflected on his illustrious career, sharing warm anecdotes about his experiences with directors Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, who were responsible for eleviating his career with films like Nos jours heureux and Intouchables. He revealed, "Their work changed my life; I'm so grateful for the opportunities they provided. Your name was one of the first they thought of when we were asked to bring Le Papotin's work to television," said the show's editor-in-chief.
One notable moment recounted by Sy was the false rumor about his death circulated on social media back on March 1, 2016, after he was mistakenly believed to be one of the victims of a shooting incident. "I’ll be honest, I was traumatized by my failure at Fort Boyard," he acknowledged, humorously recalling how he had to address the rumor personally on Twitter two days later to assure his fans. "I was on vacation skiing, and I thought, 'What if they are announcing something premonitory?'" he laughed, reinforcing the lighthearted spirit of the conversation.
The camaraderie continued as he discussed his sudden rise to fame, reminiscing fondly about his not-so-glorious stint on Fort Boyard. Here, he candidly admitted his unease during the competition, stating, "I wasn't comfortable with the whole castle and spider thing. I wanted to do well, but I just couldn't. I'm afraid of spiders, you know?" This vulnerability struck a chord with the journalists and audience alike, fostering a sense of authenticity rarely seen on television.
Omar Sy's engaging interview format not only provided enjoyment but also tackled significant topics, such as his lifelong experiences with racism. "Racism has always been with me, but I don’t like the term 'victim,' I prefer to say 'confronted.' It's something you learn to manage," he pronounced, reminding viewers of the realities many face and emphasizing resilience over victimhood.
With each playful exchange and anecdote, Omar Sy proved why he remains one of France’s beloved stars. The episode wrapped up with Sy joining the Papotin journalists to sing and dance to Man in the Mirror, performed by Ethan, one of the journalists, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of the show. The blend of joy, humor, and insightful dialogue laid the groundwork for future episodes, marking this as a memorable interaction.
Les Rencontres du Papotin continues to serve as more than just entertainment; it provides a platform where individuals with autism can shine, creating meaningful dialogue with iconic figures like Omar Sy. The experience on March 8 left everyone with smiles, laughter, and the feeling of having been part of something extraordinary.