Actor Marc Messier, whose talent graced Quebec television, film, and theatre, including roles in “Broue,” “La petite vie,” and “Lance et compte,” died Tuesday at the age of 78.
His agency, Agence Goodwin, announced in a press release that he succumbed to “a brief illness.” He is survived by his three children.
Marc Messier shone on stage for over 35 years in “Broue,” a legendary play for which he co-wrote the script.
He also made his mark on television, notably in the role of Réjean in “La petite vie.” He also distinguished himself in cultural productions that reflected Quebecers’ love for their national sport, hockey, in the series “Lance et compte” and the “Les Boys” franchise.
Most recently, he played the role of Pop in the series “Welcome to Kingston Falls.”
Born in Granby on Aug. 16, 1947, Messier studied acting at Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe. In 1979, he created “Broue,” alongside the late Michel Côté and Marcel Gauthier. For 38 years, the play ran for 3,322 performances, attracting over three million spectators to see the trio of actors in their tavern-themed comedy, according to the “Broue” website.
In addition to appearing in several “Bye Bye” specials, he acted in numerous well-known series, including “Omertà,” “Toute la vérité,” and “La faille.”
In film, he has also appeared in, among others, Louis Saia’s “The Sphinx” (1995) and Anick Jean’s “My Mother’s Men” (2022).
He recently presented a solo show, “Alone… on Stage!”, in a production that blended theatre, poetry, and humour.
Messier has received several awards for his roles, including Gémeaux and Artis Awards.
He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2025, but the announcement of his induction was made in 2023.
“Having spent my life playing roles in films, television series, and theatre, listen, I’m honoured to receive this. It gives me pleasure,” the actor said at the time in an interview with The Canadian Press.
Several political figures expressed their condolences on the X platform.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette said she was saddened by the death of “an exceptional actor, a great artist,” and one of her favourites.
“He had that rare talent of making us laugh, moving us, and bringing us together. His work and legacy will continue to live on in our collective memory.”
C’est avec une immense tristesse que j’ai appris le décès de Marc Messier.Le Québec perd un acteur exceptionnel, un immense artiste qui a marqué notre culture et le cœur de plusieurs générations. Au théâtre, au cinéma et à la télévision, il nous a offert des personnages devenus…
The leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, lamented the loss of the man he described as a monument of Quebec cinema, television, and theatre.
“Thanks to his complete immersion in the roles he took on, some of his lines have become iconic, like the famous ‘mental toughness,’ which I myself often quote,” wrote St-Pierre Plamondon, referring to the famous line that has become a Quebec staple, spoken by the character Bob Chicoine, played by Messier, in the film “Les Boys.”
“There are artists who define an era. And there are those who become part of our history,” wrote Liberal Leader Charles Milliard. “He transcended generations, becoming a part of our living rooms, our memories, and our collective memory.”
Ruba Ghazal, spokesperson for Québec solidaire, highlighted the characters played by Marc Messier that made her “laugh, think, and moved me,” saying she was saddened by the news.
“Everyone who loved Marc Messier is everyone. All those who saw themselves in Marc Messier represent all of Quebec,” wrote Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet. “We have all lost a friend we may never have met, but we spoke of him as the cousin we were so proud of.”
The National Hockey League also paid tribute to the actor, “whose role as Bob and his ‘toughness of spirit’ will have left their mark on an entire generation of hockey fans.”
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
