Celebrated Quebec comedian Gilles Latulippe has died.
The MUHC confirmed on Tuesday that Latulippe, aged 77, died Tuesday morning of complications from lung cancer, after being admitted to hospital on August 22 with pneumonia.
Earlier this summer the Just For Laughs festival paid tribute to Latulippe and his 55-year career with a gala at Place des Arts. He also made a cameo appearance at his summer theatre in Drummondville.
Latulippe began working in show business in the 1950s as a messenger at the Radio-Canada discotheque.
The contacts he made led to several acting roles, on stage and on television in 'Le Capitaine Bonhomme' and as co-host of 'Le 5 à 6'.
in 1967 Latulippe opened his own theatre, Theatre des Varietés, and proceeded to direct plays, burlesque shows, and other stage productions for more than 30 years.
The theatre closed in 2000, only to re-open under new management four years later and be re-baptised Cabaret La Tulipe in Latulippe's honour.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the near future.
With files from The Canadian Press
