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Key figure in French cinema and four-time César-winning actress, Nathalie Baye passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the age of 77, after a long battle with Lewy body disease. This is a complex neurodegenerative condition, difficult to diagnose, affecting around 200,000 people in France. A disease still largely unknown to the public, now brought to light after the actress’ passing. The announcement of her death quickly shook the French cinema world. However, the most touching tribute is perhaps from her only daughter, Laura Smet, who wrote on Instagram: “Mom. I lost half of my heart, she was the best mother in the world”, expressing her ongoing struggle to fully comprehend her mother’s loss. On his part, David Hallyday also paid tribute to his former mother-in-law, while supporting his sister, now orphaned of both parents.
When and where will Nathalie Baye’s funeral take place?
This Monday, April 20, Nathalie Baye’s family provided new details regarding the actress’s funeral, a week after her passing. The actress will receive a final tribute, surrounded by her loved ones and several figures of French cinema. The religious ceremony is scheduled for this Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m., at the Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris. A symbolic location in the capital where family, friends, and cultural personalities can come to pay their final respects. An emotional moment to bid farewell one last time to the memory of a great figure of French cinema, with over fifty years of career, awards, and iconic roles over the years. Following this ceremony, the actress’s burial will take place in strictest privacy, in accordance with the family’s wishes, as reported by our colleagues at BFMTV.
Laura Smet, present until the end
Among the expected attendees at the ceremony, Laura Smet will of course be present. The only daughter of Nathalie Baye and Johnny Hallyday, born in 1983 from their relationship, she remained extremely close to her mother until the end. Having lived for a time in Cap Ferret, the young woman chose to return to Paris in recent years to be closer to Nathalie Baye. Present by her side until the very last moment, she showed unwavering commitment in this ordeal. In the columns of Paris Match, Dominique Besnehard, former agent of the actress and Laura Smet’s godfather, mentioned that the young woman “showed exemplary courage with her mother in these last days”, before adding emotionally: “In eight years, Laura has become orphaned of both her parents.” A poignant statement for someone who is now facing a particularly painful new challenge.
