On Wednesday, August 7, Patrice Laffont passed away at the age of 84 due to a heart attack. The TV host took his last breath in his house in Oppède, in Luberon, a place dear to his heart.
This heartbreaking loss was felt by many. Patrice Laffont, the TV host, leaves behind his wife, Valerie, and three children – Fabrice and Axelle from his first marriage with Catherine, and Mathilde with whom he worked last year. The host of the popular TV show ‘Des chiffres et des lettres’ succumbed to a heart attack in his secondary house in Oppède, Luberon. After the sad news of his passing, the mayor of the town, Jean-Pierre Gérault, paid tribute to the actor. He shared with France 3 how the writer enjoyed peaceful days in the village. “I think he appreciated the authentic and discreet side of our village, the pleasure of meeting perfect strangers or celebrities at the bakery equally delighted to remain incognito,” he said. He added that Patrice Laffont undoubtedly considered this “magnificent and authentic” place a haven of peace where he took his last breath.
Following the announcement of his passing, some of his closest friends remembered the TV host’s last days. Gérard Holtz, devastated by Patrice Laffont’s death, revealed that he had spoken to him on the phone just two days before his passing. “He seemed to be in good shape,” he said. Even though lately he talked about his tired body, he did not fear death. He said death, and he didn’t care.” Bertrand Renard recalled having dinner at Patrice Laffont’s house two months ago. “We chatted with his wife, Valerie, who I am thinking of deeply, until 1 am,” he remembered. The host of ‘Des chiffres et des lettres’ had mentioned that he planned to spend time at his late friend’s second property next week. “We had planned to attend a piano concert together,” he added. Amidst the cicadas and the Provençal atmosphere that he loved so much. These were touching memories shared by his friends.
In addition to Patrice Laffont’s passing, other notable personalities have also left us in 2024. Shannen Doherty, after years of battling cancer, passed away on Saturday, July 13 at the age of 53. René Metge, a triple winner of the Dakar, died at the age of 82 on January 3. Glynis Johns, known for her role in Mary Poppins, passed away at the age of 100 on January 4. David Soul, an actor known for his role in Starsky and Hutch, died on January 5 at the age of 80. Gill Catchpole, the wife of British singer James Morrison, died at the age of 45 on January 5. Christian Oliver, the German actor known for his role in Saved by the Bell, died at the age of 51 in a tragic plane accident on January 5. Their memories will forever live on in the hearts of their fans.