On this Christmas day, viewers across the screen are remembering Raphael Coleman, the beloved child actor best known for his role as Eric Brown in the enchanting film Nanny McPhee, which airs tonight at 21h10 on M6. Tragically, Coleman passed away at the young age of 25 on February 6, 2020, after suffering a medical emergency during his jog.
The film Nanny McPhee, directed by Kirk Jones and starring Emma Thompson, features Coleman as one of the mischievous children under the care of the magical nanny. Viewers recall the whimsical tale as entertaining and enlightening, balancing humor with subtle life lessons about family and discipline. Set against the backdrop of the holiday season, this film release allows the public to reflect on Coleman and his contributions to cinema, albeit tragically brief.
Following his childhood role, Coleman became socially active, directing his passions toward ecological and humanitarian efforts, particularly advocating for the Amazon rainforest and Indigenous rights. His mother, Liz Jensen, expressed deep sorrow over losing her son, stating on Twitter, “Repose en paix, mon fils adoré Raphael Coleman, aka Iggy Fox. Il est mort en faisant ce qu’il adorait, travailler pour la cause la plus noble de toutes. Sa famille ne saurait être plus fière. Célébrons tout ce qu’il a accompli dans sa courte vie et chérissons son héritage.” This heartfelt tribute not only mourns his loss but also encapsulates the legacy he leaves behind — one of compassion and activism.
Coupled with the airings of Nanny McPhee, audiences are treated to various holiday selections on this December 25th, reminiscent of cherished festive traditions. Among these offerings is the compelling telefilm Le livreur de Noël airing at 21h10 on France 2, which tells the touching story of Julien, who struggles with the dual responsibilities of his job and family during the Christmas rush. Meanwhile, at 21h10 on TF1, viewers are invited to join the animated adventure of Le chat Potté 2 : la dernière quête where the daring feline embarks on his most gripping adventure yet — chasing down the stars for his nine lives.
The holiday television viewing experience extends beyond these films as audiences are encouraged to cherish family moments shared over entertaining stories. The Nanny McPhee airing on M6 resonates particularly well, reminding viewers of simpler times, storytelling magic, and the sometimes harrowing yet humor-filled lessons learned under the watchful gaze of the titular nanny.
Other notable programming this holiday season ranges from magical festive films to comedies, ensuring every household finds something for their enjoyment. For those seeking laughs, the film Le Prénom returns to TMC at 23h10 following earlier technical difficulties during its previous airing on November 27, 2024. Despite the bugs experienced then, the film shown during the Christmas season carries on with the lighthearted exploration of familial relationships.
With all the joyful entertainment bringing the family together this Christmas, Coleman's legacy flickers brightly through his portrayal of childhood innocence and the message imbued within each character. He is remembered fondly and celebrated during the festivities, as families gather to enjoy his work and share their own stories of love, loss, and unity. Raphael Coleman’s impact remains—much like the magic of cinema itself—a source of joy, reflection, and togetherness.
