Patrice Laffont

Patrice Laffont

French TV presenter, master of French television
Date of Birth: 21.08.1939
Country: France

Content:
  1. Patrice Laffont: A Renowned French Television Host
  2. Artistic Beginnings
  3. A Radio and Television Star
  4. Eurovision and Other Projects
  5. Return to Acting and Personal Life
  6. Legacy and Death

Patrice Laffont: A Renowned French Television Host

Early Life and Family

Patrice Laffont was born on August 21, 1940, in Marseille, France, to a prominent publisher, Robert Laffont. Despite having siblings who pursued the family business, Patrice chose a different path, opting to forge his own destiny.

Artistic Beginnings

Laffont's passion for cinema and television led him to act in several films, primarily in comedic roles. He debuted in "The Sucker" (1963) and appeared in the popular "The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez" (1964).

A Radio and Television Star

In the 1970s, Laffont became a radio host at Europe 1. In 1972, he began presenting the game show "Des chiffres et des lettres," hosting it for 17 years. In 1990, he was invited to take on the role of host in the adventure show "Fort Boyard," which he presented for nine seasons.

Eurovision and Other Projects

Laffont also served as a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest thrice and hosted the French selection contest in 1985. In the 1990s, he expanded his portfolio with the daily entertainment show "Pyramide."

Return to Acting and Personal Life

In the 2000s, Laffont's television appearances decreased. However, he returned to acting on the stage and participated in "Fort Boyard" as a contestant.

Laffont married twice, first to Catherine Laporte in 1966 (divorced in 1982) with whom he had two children, and later to Valérie Tavernier in 1996 with whom he had a third child.

Legacy and Death

Patrice Laffont passed away on August 7, 2024, at the age of 84, due to a heart attack. His death saddened the French nation, and tributes poured in from President Emmanuel Macron and the French media.

French television honored his memory with a tribute on the 35th anniversary of "Fort Boyard" and a documentary film dedicated to his life and career. Laffont remains an iconic figure in French television history.

© BIOGRAPHS