A prominent woman in the French artistic landscape has passed away. On Friday, March 20th, the death of Isabelle Mergault was announced through a statement. The famous director and creator of Grosses Têtes (Big Heads) was declared dead at the age of 67, a victim of cancer. On social media, many internet users paid tribute to her, as did celebrities who had crossed paths with her. Starting with Laurent Ruquier, her longtime friend.
Speaking on RTL radio, the host of Grosses Têtes explained that they were not informed much about her health condition. “We were not very aware. She did not want it to be known. First, because she hoped to recover, and so did we. She even returned to Grosses Têtes, even though she had been operated on,” emphasized the host, inconsolable.
“I knew it was the end”: Isabelle Mergault’s agent delivers a poignant testimony.
Among the few people aware of Isabelle Mergault’s cancer was her agent, Patrick Goavec, who had known her for thirty years. In Le Parisien on Saturday, March 21st, this close friend of the late comedian explained that he was having a hard time realizing “that she is gone.” Recalling that Isabelle Mergault was very “discreet” and “mysterious,” Patrick Goavec mentioned not hearing from her for several days. “In recent times, she didn’t feel like working much. Last week, I started to worry, she hadn’t responded for three days,” he recounted, revealing that he found out at that moment that she was hospitalized at the Ambroise-Paré Hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
“I went into the room, I was shocked… She had changed so much. I said goodbye to her, that I loved her so much… She gave me a big smile when she was completely out of it. I left the room completely shaken, I knew it was the last time I would see her. I’m happy to have said goodbye, I keep that memory of her. It’s always important to see people one last time,” said Patrick Goavec, who will cherish all the unforgettable years working with Isabelle Mergault.
“I was crazy about her”: Antoine Duléry pays a moving tribute to Isabelle Mergault, his first love.
The passing of Isabelle Mergault also deeply affected Antoine Duléry, who admits to Gala that he was taken aback: “Her death saddened me because I didn’t expect it at all, I didn’t know she was sick.” Touched, the actor recalls their past together: “She is the first one from our Cours Florent group to leave. That sucks…“. The actor fondly described their past relationship: “I had a very nice story with her, it’s the memory of my 20s.” He remembers a young woman “very beautiful, full of charm” whom he was “crazy” about.
Despite the years, some memories remain intact, like an unexpected gift: “The gift was for you,” she had said to him while giving him Proust books that he has “always” kept. Beyond her humor, Antoine Duléry also highlights her depth: “She was very cultured.” A “bon vivant” woman, who introduced him to Proust and Barbara, and of whom he now keeps “great” memories.
