The world of French cinema is in mourning this Saturday, May 23, 2026. The disappearance of Thérèse Liotard, which occurred in the night at the age of 80was announced by his artistic agency before being relayed by AFP culture journalist Jean-François Guyot on X. After making her debut in the 1970s, the actress built a rich career, mainly composed of supporting roles in cinema, television and theater. Without seeking the media spotlight, she has established herself over time as a familiar face in the French audiovisual landscape, appreciated for the accuracy of her acting.
Among her most notable roles is that of Françoise in the comedy Come to my house, I’m staying with a friend (1981), directed by Patrice Leconte, alongside Michel Blanc and Bernard Giraudeau. She also appears in the adaptations of Marcel Pagnol by Yves Robert, The Glory of my Father et My mother’s castlewhere she played Aunt Rose, a role that remained in the public’s memory.
Big names in French cinema
Thérèse Liotard’s immense career was built through numerous collaborations with major directors of French cinema. She has thus filmed under the direction of Michel Deville, Costa-Gavras, Patrice Leconte, Bertrand Tavernier, Yves Robert and even Benoît Jacquot, establishing herself as a regular performer in films very different in their style and their worlds. She had been nominated twice for the César in the category of best actress in a supporting role, for her interpretations in the two adaptations of the works of Marcel Pagnol.
His disappearance comes a year and a half after that of Michel Blanc, playing partner in Come to my house, I’m staying with a friend. In this film, she played Françoise, a character that she described with humor: “My name is Françoise. I’m the friend Daniel lives with, to whom he takes Guy, played by Michel Blanc. And they’re going to do a lot of stupid things and I’m pretty much the only one… adult“, she confided about this role which has become cult.
A final career tour towards broadcasting
According to BFMTVwho was able to contact his agentThérèse Liotard died following a long illness. In recent years, the actress had put an end to her filming to devote himself to teaching, first in Paris then in Sens, in Yonne. Very invested in this new stage, she explained that she appreciated the transmission of her experience, recalling that “it is not a profession from which one withdraws. Giving lessons means passing on this experience as an actress, acquired from the greatest“. Valérie Mairesse’s friend will leave a big void in the world of cinema.
