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Paris – Béatrice Ardisson, a composer, sound designer and former wife of French television personality Thierry Ardisson, has died at the age of 62 following a battle with cancer. Her passing was announced by her children to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The news comes less than a year after the death of her former husband, who passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 76, as reported by Wikipedia.
Born Béatrice Loustalan, she was married to Ardisson, known as “the man in black,” from 1988 to 2010 and is survived by their three children. Even after their divorce, she continued to use the Ardisson name professionally. Her children stated, according to the AFP, that she “passed away peacefully this Wednesday, February 18, at her home, surrounded by her children and friends.”
Ardisson was a multifaceted artist, working as a sound engineer on the television program “Paris Dernière” on Paris Première, a former stylist for the fashion house Kenzo, and the founder of the record label Ardisong. She described herself as a “sound designer” and was a significant, though often behind-the-scenes, figure in the French music and audiovisual landscape.
Throughout her career, Béatrice Ardisson curated approximately thirty successful compilations, including the eight volumes of “La musique de ‘Paris Dernière’” and the album “Patchwork,” which featured music from Christian Lacroix fashion shows. These compilations were known for their eclectic mix of unconventional and remixed popular songs.
She similarly contributed her musical talents to a variety of other projects, creating ambiance for upscale events, restaurants, hotels, and boutiques both in France and internationally. In 2014, she composed the soundtrack for the CD release accompanying the Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. She was involved in preparing the “blind test” segment for Thierry Ardisson’s talk reveal, “Tout le monde en parle” on France 2.
Ardisson’s discretion at her former husband’s funeral on July 17, 2025, was noted, with reports indicating it was due to her ongoing cancer treatment, despite Thierry Ardisson’s wish for both of his former wives to attend. Christiane Bergognon, his first wife, was present at the service.
Béatrice Ardisson’s operate on “Paris Dernière” involved selecting a song for each fast-motion shot of the capital city. “I only put remixed versions of great hits,” she once explained, highlighting her unique approach to music curation.
The passing of Béatrice Ardisson marks a loss for the French artistic community, leaving behind a legacy of innovative sound design and musical contributions. Her influence extended across television, fashion, and the broader cultural scene.
As the French cultural world mourns, details regarding a memorial service or celebration of life have not yet been announced. Further information will be released by the family as arrangements are finalized.
Share your memories of Béatrice Ardisson and her work in the comments below.
