Guy Marchand Death Cause And Obituary: The French Actor Who Made Us Laugh and Cry
Guy Marchand was one of the most beloved and versatile actors in France. He starred in more than 50 films and TV shows from the 1960s to the 2010s. He was best known for his role as the fictional private detective Nestor Burma in a popular TV series that ran for 13 seasons. He also sang many hit songs that became classics of French pop music.
But on December 15, 2023, Guy Marchand passed away at the age of 86 in his home in Cavaillon, France. His family confirmed his death on his official website, saying that he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Guy Marchand was born on May 22, 1937 in Paris. He started his acting career as an extra in The Longest Day (1962), a war epic directed by Ken Loach. He then appeared in several films by acclaimed directors such as Jean-Louis Trintignant (Le Maître-nageur), Claude Miller (Garde à Vue), Bertrand Tavernier (Coup de Torchon), Gérard Lauzier (Les Maris, les Femmes, les Amants), Gilles Béhat (Charlie Dingo), Pierre Granier-Deferre (Noyade interdite), Édouard Molinaro (Beaumarchais), Christophe Honoré (Dans Paris), Laurence Lamers (Paid), Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau (L’Arbre et la forêt), Brice Cauvin (L’Art de la fugue), Yossi Aviram (The Dune), Arthur Delaire and Quentin Reynaud (Paris-Willouby) and Carine Tardieu (Just to Be Sure).
He also made his mark on stage with several plays such as The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, The Maids by Jean Genet and The Ladykillers by Graham Greene.
But his most famous role was that of Nestor Burma, a witty and eccentric private detective who solved mysteries with his loyal assistant Jean-Pierre Leblanc played by Michel Serrault. The TV series began in 1991 with a pilot episode called “Nestor Burma” directed by Claude Zidi. It then ran for 13 seasons until 2004 with a total of 156 episodes. It was one of the most successful French TV shows ever made and won several awards such as the César Award for Best Actor for Serrault three times.
The show was known for its humor, suspense, romance and social commentary. It tackled various themes such as racism, sexism, corruption, terrorism and environmentalism. It also featured many guest stars such as Isabelle Huppert, Daniel Auteuil, Catherine Deneuve, Vincent Cassel and Omar Sy.
🖤 Paul Memphis s'en est allé
— Colonel Farès (@LeColonelFares1) December 15, 2023
Au revoir Guy Marchand 💗
📽️ Les Sous-doués en vacances (Claude Zidi 1982) pic.twitter.com/nEP4J4BJkg
A Musical Sensation
Besides acting, Guy Marchand was also a talented singer who released several albums throughout his career. His first album was called “Destinée” which came out in 1976 under the label Polydor Records. It contained songs such as “Destinée”, “Je t’aime”, “L’amour est un jeu” and “La vie est belle”. The album sold more than one million copies in France alone.
His second album was called “Nestor Burma” which came out in 1981 under the same label. It contained songs inspired by his role as Nestor Burma such as “Nestor Burma”, “Le mystère du docteur Jekyll et Mr Hyde”, “Le secret de la chambre rose” and “La chasse au trésor”. The album also included some covers of popular songs such as “My Way” by Frank Sinatra , “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor , “Imagine” by John Lennon , “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen , “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey.
His third album was called “La Passionnata” which came out in 1983 under the same label. It contained songs such as “La Passionnata”, “Moi je suis tango”, “La vie en rose” and “Je suis un sentimental”. The album was a tribute to his love for tango music and dance.
His fourth album was called “Chansons de ma jeunesse” which came out in 1987 under the label Carrere Records. It contained songs such as “Chansons de ma jeunesse”, “Les feuilles mortes”, “La mer”, “La vie en rose” and “Que reste-t-il de nos amours?”. The album was a collection of his favorite songs from his youth.
His fifth album was called “Guy Marchand chante Boris Vian” which came out in 1991 under the label Philips Records. It contained songs written by the famous French writer and musician Boris Vian such as “Le déserteur”, “J’suis snob”, “Fais-moi mal Johnny”, “On n’est pas là pour se faire engueuler” and “La complainte du progrès”. The album was a homage to his friend and mentor Boris Vian who died in 1959.
His sixth album was called “Paris Buenos Aires” which came out in 2001 under the label Universal Music. It contained songs such as “Paris Buenos Aires”, “Tango de la pluie”, “La cumparsita”, “El choclo” and “Adios muchachos”. The album was a fusion of French and Argentinean music and culture.
His seventh and final album was called “Chansons de toujours” which came out in 2011 under the label Sony Music. It contained songs such as “Chansons de toujours”, “Les copains d’abord”, “Ne me quitte pas”, “L’aigle noir” and “Non, je ne regrette rien”. The album was a celebration of his life and career.
Guy Marchand Spouse, Children & Personal Life
Guy Marchand was married three times and had four children. His first wife was Françoise Lavit, whom he married in 1960 and divorced in 1972. They had two children: a son named Jean-Christophe and a daughter named Valérie.
His second wife was Adelina Marchand, whom he married in 1974 and divorced in 1981. They had one daughter named Lola.
His third and last wife was Adeline Blondieau, whom he married in 1995 and stayed with until his death. They had one son named Oscar.
Guy was also a grandfather of six grandchildren and a great-grandfather of one great-grandchild. He loved his family dearly and often spent time with them at his home in Cavaillon.
A Tribute to a Legend
Guy Marchand’s death has shocked and saddened many people in France and around the world. He was a legend of French cinema, television and music. He was a versatile and charismatic actor who could play any role with ease and charm. He was a talented and passionate singer who could touch any heart with his voice and songs. He was a loving and generous family man who cared for his loved ones and friends.
Guy Marchand’s funeral will be held on December 20, 2023 at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. His family has requested that the public respect their privacy and grief during this difficult time.
Marchand will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most beloved actors and singers in France. He made us laugh and cry, he entertained and enlightened us, he moved and inspired us. He was a legend and he will live on in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace, Guy Marchand. You will never be forgotten.
