Quebec actor Michel Cote, known for film and theatre roles, dead at 72
Quebec actor Michel Cote, who captivated audiences with his roles in the theatre piece "Broue" and films such as "Cruising Bar" and "C.R.A.Z.Y.," has died at 72, his family said Monday.
Cote retired from public life just over a year before his death to undergo treatment for a bone marrow disease.
The actor was a favourite in Quebec, and received a lifetime achievement award in 2013 at the Jutra awards.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault paid tribute to Cote on social media, describing him as one of Quebec's great actors.
"I still laugh out loud at Broue, Cruising Bar, La petite vie, but I also remember his touching role in C.R.A.Z.Y.," Legault wrote on Twitter. He added that Cote was set to receive the National Order of Quebec in the coming weeks.
Cote's career began in 1983 with a role in Andre Forcier's film "Au clair de la lune," starring Guy L'Ecuyer.
He appeared in at least 25 films and some 20 television series. In between shoots, he appeared on stage in the evenings to perform in the theatre piece "Broue" with his friends Marc Messier and Marcel Gauthier -- which he did for 38 years until 2017.
His last film role was in "De pere en flic 2," which came out in 2017. More recently, he gave an emotional tribute to the director Jean-Marc Vallee, who died suddenly on Christmas Day in 2021 and who cast Cote in a memorable role in the 2005 film "C.R.A.Z.Y."
He was honoured in January 2022 during an emotional special on the Radio-Canada program "Les Enfants de la tele," where he appeared with his partner Veronique Le Flaguais and their son Maxime, who are both also actors.
News of the death sent a shockwave through Quebec's political and artistic communities, with many prominent personalities joining Legault in paying tribute to a man they described as a "giant" and a "genius on screen."
Denis Trudel, a Bloc Quebecois MP and actor, said he had fond memories of working with Cote on "C.R.A.Z.Y."
"Kind, funny, endearing, hard working, always a good word for everyone," he said. "A terrible loss for all Quebec."
Author Simon Boulerice published a photo of himself and Cote on Instagram, along with a farewell tribute.
"Goodbye to this great man who was so kind, with dazzling talent," he wrote. "Michel Cote was elegance incarnate. No wonder people loved him so much."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2023
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.