The former host Patrice Laffont, famous for his shows Des chiffres et des lettres, Fort Boyard, and Pyramide, passed away this Wednesday, August 7, at his home in Vaucluse. The Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), specifying that he was 84 years old. A cardiac accident is believed to be the cause of his death.
Rachida Dati paid tribute to Laffont by writing: "His kindness and mischievousness delighted generations of viewers."
Patrice Laffont began his career as an actor in the 1960s, with appearances in films like Les vierges by Jean-Pierre Mocky and Le gendarme de Saint-Tropez by Jean Girault. At the same time, he formed friendships with Michel Fugain and Michel Sardou. For them, he wrote several songs, including Les Beatniks and Le Visage de l’année.
His television career started as a journalist at Europe 1, before joining the team of hosts for the magazine Aujourd’hui Madame on ORTF in the 1970s. In 1972, he became the iconic face of Des chiffres et des lettres, a show he would host for 17 long years.
In the 1990s, he returned to television with Fort Boyard and Pyramide. He also hosted Dessinez, c’est gagné !, Les Bons génies, and commented on several editions of the Eurovision. His popularity endured with family programs like Le Téléthon and Intervilles on France 2.
Patrice Laffont leaves behind an unforgettable memory in the French audiovisual landscape, marked by his strong personality. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and his two daughters Mathilde and Axelle Laffont, actress.
