"I’m devastated" : Fabrice breaks the silence after the death of his sidekick Sophie Garel

The emotion is immense in the world of radio and television since the announcement of the disappearance of Sophie Garel, who died this Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the age of 84. An essential figure in the French audiovisual landscape, the host leaves behind decades of memories for listeners and viewers who grew up with her voice and her energy. Since the announcement of her death, numerous tributes have multiplied, proof of the mark she left over the years. Very touched by this disappearance, Fabrice, her long-time sidekick, also agreed to come out of silence despite his sadness. Contacted in Switzerland, where he now lives far from TV sets, the former leading face of La Classe did not hide his emotion when talking about the woman with whom he shared a large part of his career. Upset, he wanted to pay tribute to the memory of Sophie Garel, a woman who left her mark on an entire generation and left a very strong memory for those who worked alongside her.

Sophie Garel and Fabrice: a cult tandem of French waves

For years, Sophie Garel and Fabrice formed one of the most notable duos on French radio. On RTL, their obvious complicity, their humor and their free tone had seduced millions of listeners, to the point of becoming essential for an entire generation. Together, they broadcast several programs that became cult, notably Les Jeux de Fabrice avec Sophie, at a time when radio still relied heavily on improvisation, spontaneity and bursts of laughter. Contacted by Le Parisien, Fabrice agreed to react to the disappearance of her lifelong friend. “I am collapsed, shaken, very sad,” he confided. Upset, the host also wanted to salute the talent of the one he considered to be an extraordinary partner. “She was one of the most talented†, he declared, before adding: “She really had a lot, a lot of talent†. Simple but very strong words, coming from the person who shared his fondest radio memories with Sophie Garel.

A great voice that left its mark on radio and television

Born in Oran, Sophie Garel first cut her teeth on the radio before becoming one of the essential voices in the French media. Arriving on RTL at the end of the 1960s, she quickly established herself thanks to her spicy humor, her sense of wit and a personality that was both warm and very spontaneous. Over the years, the general public has also found her on television, notably in several popular programs on RTL Télévision, but also on Canal+ and France 2. More recently, she had made some notable appearances in Les Grosses Têtes, rediscovering with pleasure this atmosphere light and accomplice who had always accompanied her career. Always faithful to this spirit of conviviality which made her mark, the host found a familiar universe there, between humor, improvisation and spontaneous exchanges, which seemed to fit her like a glove even after all these years of career. Today, a page is turning.