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Veteran Quebec actor Marc Messier has died at the age of 78 following a brief illness. He was celebrated for his iconic work across television, film and theatre. Messier’s talent agency, Agence Goodwin, confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday. The star is survived by his three children. The cause of death was a brief illness, according to the agency.
A towering figure in Quebec entertainment
Born on August 16, 1947, in Granby, Quebec, Messier studied acting at Cegep de Saint-Hyacinthe. He then embarked on a career that spanned more than five decades. The actor became one of the most recognisable faces in Quebec’s entertainment industry, and earned praise for his performances on stage, television and the big screen.
Messier was best known for his role in the long-running television series Lance et Compte, where he played hockey star Marc Gagnon. He was also a popular face in the much-loved sitcom La petite vie, and Les Boys film franchise. He also appeared in productions such as Omerta, Toute la verite, La faille and Welcome to Kingston Falls, reported CityNews Montreal.
Co-created the record-breaking play Broue
One of Messier’s greatest contributions to Quebec theatre came with Broue. It is the iconic comedy he co-created in 1979 alongside the late Michel Cote and Marcel Gauthier. The play ran for 38 years, and clocked an astonishing 3,322 performances. Broue attracted more than three million spectators, and this made it one of the most successful productions in Quebec theatre history.
Award-winning career and national honour
Throughout his career, Messier received many honours, including Gemeaux and Artis Awards for his performances. In 2023, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian arts and culture. His film credits also included Jesus of Montreal, The Sphinx, and My Mother’s Men.
Tributes pour in
Tributes flooded social media from political leaders and members of the entertainment industry. Quebec Premier Christine Frechette described Messier as “an exceptional actor” and “a great artist” whose performances touched generations of audiences. Other political leaders and the NHL also paid tribute, and remembered him for the indelible mark he left on Quebec’s cultural landscape.
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