Actor Michel Côté announced Thursday to suffer from a “bone marrow disease” which forces him to withdraw from public life for an indefinite period.
The news was confirmed in the afternoon by press release. It is said that the famous comedian is currently undergoing treatment following this recent diagnosis, but no other details about his state of health are revealed. “Surrounded by his family and loved ones, he thanks you for respecting his privacy so that he can devote himself entirely to this treatment and thus recover his health,” the document concludes.
Michel Côté, 71, has been retired for a few years, but was still giving interviews until recently. One of his last public outings dates back to January, TV kids.
He also paid tribute last December to his friend the director Jean-Marc Vallée, following the sudden death of the filmmaker.
In addition to being featured in C.R.A.Z.Y., a film for which he won the Iris (at the time Jutra) for best supporting actor in 2006, Michel Côté held several notable roles in the theatre, as well as on the small and big screens. Original cast member of the legendary play Brouethe public could also see it in Cruising bar, The little life, Omertà and more recently in From father to cop.
Michel Côté and his spouse, actress Véronique Le Flaguais, sold their residence this winter. They are the parents of actor Maxime Le Flaguais.
On social networks, the messages of encouragement have multiplied for the one who is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation.
“Michel Côté is probably the best actor in the history of Quebec. Meet him on [le plateau de] C.R.A.Z.Y. was a special moment in my acting career. I learn with sadness his withdrawal from public life for health reasons. I wish him courage, strength and resilience, ”wrote among others on Twitter former actor Denis Trudel, now a member of the Bloc Québécois.