Since the actress passed away on Friday, April 17, at the age of 77, messages of gratitude and support have been pouring in, especially on social media. Among them, some are particularly moving, like the heartfelt tribute written by Lyna Khoudri. In an Instagram post on Monday, April 20, the actress expressed her affection for the deceased colleague and shared a carousel of photos where the two actresses appear always close.
The relationship between Lyna Khoudri and Nathalie Baye began on the set of the film “Haute couture,” directed by Sylvie Ohayon and released in 2021. Before the start of filming, Lyna Khoudri was invited to do readings at Nathalie Baye’s. She hesitated, stressed, and intimidated at the idea of meeting one of France’s greatest actresses. But when the door opened, everything changed. “Nathalie opened the door and I had this image of many colorful flowers… and since then, I love her dearly,” she confessed in a video from a Q&A session for Canal+.
Nathalie Baye and Lyna Khoudri: an intimate relationship despite half a century age difference
Their first meeting was coyly commented by Nathalie Baye herself when asked about the subject: “It’s private life, we can’t tell you. But it went very well!”. In her Instagram post, Lyna Khoudri emotionally revisits the unique bond that was formed between them: “Your gaze on me was so precious. I will never forget it. You were already an angel on earth, and you had taken me under your wing. You taught me so much, advised me, guided me.” These words speak volumes about the nature of their relationship, that of a mentor and her protegee, but above all, of two friends.
“I can’t believe I won’t hear your laughter anymore… our joke and laughter sessions won’t exist anymore… I will continue to keep you alive in my thoughts,” she continued. In this poignant text, the young actress also thinks of Laura Smet, Nathalie Baye’s daughter: “I think of Laura, you left a piece of yourself in her.” Before concluding with this reassuring image: “I know that you will always be somewhere, not far away, to watch over those you love, as you always have. You, the generous, the sweet, the frank, the funny, the kind, the beautiful.”
From actress to actress: when Lyna Khoudri pays tribute to the great actress
Beyond the personal connection, Lyna Khoudri also pays tribute to the immense actress Nathalie Baye. The star of “Papicha” and wife of Karim Benzema praises an actress whose every role was, according to her, “a lesson”: “So true, deep, moving, funny, powerful, beautiful… just like you. What would cinema be without Nathalie Baye?”. An admiration that is colored with a revealing anecdote about the personality of the late actress: “You who hid your four César awards behind your bookshelf… the humility of a great lady.” The image alone sums up what everyone agrees on about Nathalie Baye: immense talent, carried with a rare lightness and discretion.
“There won’t be another like you. You will leave an indelible mark in our eyes and in our hearts,” Lyna Khoudri wrote, before ending her message with infinite tenderness: “Thank you, my beloved Nathalie. I look up and I see you smiling at us. I hope you are peaceful and at peace there. I love you endlessly.” On the occasion of the release of “Haute couture,” still in this Q&A session, Nathalie Baye summarized the relationship of their two characters with words that strangely resonate with real life: “It’s the story of two women who meet, a young one and an old one, and it’s about transmission.” A friendship that will never be forgotten.
