Michel Blanc's funeral, which took place on October 10, 2024, at the Saint-Eustache Church, was enveloped with both emotional tributes and surprising moments. The iconic actor passed away on October 3, due to severe allergy complications, leaving behind not only sorrow among fans but also deep grief within the artistic community, especially his fellow members of the famous Splendid troupe.
Weeks later, during the December 21 episode of the television show "Quelle Époque!", renowned actor Thierry Lhermitte shared a memorable anecdote from the somber occasion. Reflecting on the richness of friendship within their circle, he recounted how the mood unexpectedly shifted during the service. According to Lhermitte, "During the funerals, at the church, there was this guy in tracksuit who walks across the back and goes to talk to one of the priests. Everyone is bemused, wondering what he's doing there.”
The unexpected intrusion stirred curiosity among the mourners present. The man proceeded to address the congregation with the words, "Michel me parle" (Michel speaks to me), which introduced immediate tension and intrigue. Lhermitte continued to detail how he then declared, "Il veut que vous chantiez, qu'on chante tous ensemble" (He wants you to sing, for us to all sing together). He then broke out with the famous song, "Quand te reverrai-je, pays merveilleux?" (When will I see you again, wonderful country?), inviting everyone to join him.
This spontaneous moment transformed the atmosphere, instilling warmth and camaraderie among the attendees. Lhermitte expressed the sentiment shared by many, saying, "C’était tellement sympa, tellement spontané et chaleureux. Je pense que Michel aurait adoré!" (It was so nice, so spontaneous and warm. I think Michel would have loved it!). It was such moments of levity and remembrance during sorrowful occasions like this—brought by unexpected interactions—that vividly illustrated the impact Michel Blanc had on his friends and community.
Blanc's passing has brought renewed focus on the tribute to their shared experiences, as evidenced by the release of the new book "Le Splendid par le Splendid, nous nous sommes tant marrés!", celebrating 50 years of their artistic collaboration. The book, published by the Splendid troupe's members, encapsulates laughter, memories, and heartfelt reflections on their time together, with all royalties going to the Foundation for Medical Research—a gesture aligned with their late colleague's spirit.
Collector of heartwarming tales and laughter-filled anecdotes, the book features individual contributions from each member of the troupe. Lhermitte continues reflecting on this shared creative endeavor with tenderness, stating, "These texts you wrote were kind of love letters you sent to each other" during the process of their creation. This adds another layer of emotional connection, as the book arrived mere days after Blanc's unexpected demise, filled with memories now colored by grief.
Through the lens of laughter, compassion, and treasured memories, the memory of Michel Blanc remains alive. His friends and collaborators continue to navigate this loss by recounting shared laughter, stories, and heartfelt tributes—not just at funerals or memorials, but also through collaborative projects like their recent publication.
The legacy left by Michel Blanc, renowned for both his comedic brilliance and heartfelt performances, remains firmly embedded within the hearts of fans and colleagues alike. His unexpected humor, like the moment at his funeral, offers one last reminder of the charm he brought to countless lives.
