This Sunday, April 6, Valérie Lemercier spoke candidly about her struggle with depression. Invited by Audrey Crespo-Mara on the show Sept à Huit, the famous French actress shared rare insights about this dark period. At 23, faced with profound psychological distress, she chose voluntary hospitalization at the Sainte-Anne psychiatric hospital in Paris.
Thus, she testifies with simplicity: "Things weren’t going well, I was sinking." At the time, the future star was juggling small jobs far from her artistic calling. The situation worsened to the point of becoming unbearable: "I couldn’t even walk anymore."
However, this hospitalization marked a decisive turning point in her life. "They took me seriously and they kept me," she explains with gratitude. Valérie Lemercier remained hospitalized for a month and a half. Today, she asserts without hesitation: this experience "saved her life."
A childhood marked by maternal depression
To better understand this difficult period, it is useful to look back at the childhood of Valérie Lemercier, born in 1964 in Dieppe. She comes from a family of four daughters. Moreover, she grew up in a family environment where her mother suffered from chronic depression. From then on, the future actress adopted a specific role: being "the funny girl" to lighten the family atmosphere.
Yet, behind this joyful image lies deep shyness. She reveals with emotion: "I never wanted to be seen, I never wanted to be photographed." This contrast between public persona and intimate fragility highlights the complexity and sensitivity of Valérie Lemercier.
Complicated beginnings in Paris before success
Before becoming a recognized actress, Valérie Lemercier‘s professional journey was fraught with obstacles. Trained at the conservatory in Rouen, she initially faced difficulties establishing herself in Paris. However, this difficult period became a key moment of personal reconstruction. During her stay at Sainte-Anne, she discovered that manual tasks brought her unexpected comfort.
Thus, she shares her personal trick against anxiety: "Give me laundry to iron." A simple yet soothing gesture. With a touch of humor, she adds: "There’s always a bit of ironing to do when things go wrong."
Highly anticipated return to the stage and cinema
Now 61 years old, Valérie Lemercier is preparing a highly anticipated return to the stage. Her new show, scheduled from October 15, 2025, to January 3, 2026, will take place at the Marigny theater in Paris. This sixth one-woman show comes ten years after her last solo performance, already stirring anticipation among her fans.
In parallel, the actress returns to cinema with the film Aimons-nous vivants, directed by Jean-Pierre Améris, where she stars alongside Gérard Darmon. This film will be released in theaters on April 16. Moreover, it delicately tells the story of the unlikely encounter between an intrusive admirer and a disillusioned music star. A promising work, blending humor and emotion.
Humor, the key to resilience for Valérie Lemercier
In conclusion, Valérie Lemercier emphasizes the essential importance of humor in her daily life. "I put laughter above everything," she asserts. For her, her comedic creations are precious and essential. This artistic choice, far from masking her wounds, becomes a positive response to her painful past.
Her testimony thus constitutes a true lesson in resilience in the face of depression. Behind the smiles of a famous actress, an intimate and discreet battle can exist. Today, enriched by these experiences, Valérie Lemercier continues her journey with authenticity and lightness, true to herself.
