Celebrated Quebec actor Marc Messier, known for iconic roles in Broue and La Petite Vie, died at age 78 on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, following a short illness, his agency confirmed.
The Goodwin Agency announced the passing of the influential performer, who left a lasting mark on Quebec's television, cinema, and theater.
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"We have the immense regret of announcing as of today the passing of the great actor Marc Messier, at the age of 78, following a brief illness," the agency said in an official release.
Messier is survived by his children Gabrielle Dubuc-Messier, Félix Messier, and Jeanne Messier, his sisters Marielle Messier and Denise Messier, Lyne Sainte-Marie (mother of Félix and Jeanne), and his nieces and nephews.
A Career Spanning Stage and Screen
Messier co-wrote and starred in Broue, a tavern-set sketch comedy that debuted in 1979 alongside Michel Côté and Marcel Gauthier.
The play earned a Guinness World Record for most performances by an unchanged cast, ending in 2017 after 3,322 shows.
His dramatic roles included Death of a Salesman in 2017 and his 2021 solo show Seul… en scène!
He also appeared in Les Boys, Lance et compte, and Jésus de Montréal.
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Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette paid tribute online, highlighting his ability to connect with audiences.
"He had that rare talent to make us laugh, move us, and bring us together.
His work and his legacy will continue to live on in our collective memory," she said.
In a past interview with Le Devoir, Messier recalled falling in love with acting during a high school English class when he performed a monologue from Hamlet.
"I left for lunch and I felt like I had caught something.
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It wasn't so much the theater as being able to get out of myself, which doesn't happen to you often at 15 years old," he said.
