A Canadian actor and poet who wrote plays and performed in both English and French, known for his contributions to Quebec's cultural scene.
Marc Favreau, a renowned French Canadian humorist, film actor, and poet, is best remembered for his iconic character Sol, a witty and lovable persona that captured the hearts of Quebecers and Canadians alike. Through his numerous television shows, stage performances, and literary works, Favreau brought laughter and joy to audiences, while also showcasing his mastery of the French language.
Born on November 9, 1929, in Montreal, Quebec, Favreau began his television career in the 1950s as a regular on La Boîte à surprise, a long-running children's television show on Radio-Canada. It was during this time that he teamed up with another clown to form the act Bim et Sol, which would later evolve into his solo show, Sol.
Favreau's Sol character became an enormous success, with his witty deconstructions of the French language and humorous takes on everyday life. The character's popularity led to the creation of Sol et Bouton, another successful television series, and later, Sol et Gobelet, which Favreau developed with Luc Durand.
Favreau's work extended beyond Sol to numerous television series and stage performances. He appeared on shows such as Parlez-moi, an instructional program on the French language on TVOntario, and Les Évadés, a comedy series on Radio-Canada. His stage performances included Le Grand Remue-ménage, a comedy review, and L'Osstidcho, a musical comedy.
Favreau's contributions to French Canadian culture and entertainment earned him numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he was appointed Knight of the National Order of Quebec, and in 2003, he became an Officer of the Order of Canada. He was also a member of the Order of the Francophones of America.
Favreau was married to Quebec comedian-actress Micheline Grin, who passed away in 2007. He himself passed away on December 17, 2005, at the age of 76, due to cancer. In 2012, a library bearing his name was inaugurated in Montreal, and a school in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce district was also named in his honor.
Marc Favreau's legacy continues to inspire new generations of French Canadian artists and entertainers. His work remains a testament to the power of humor and creativity, and his character Sol remains an iconic figure in Quebec's cultural landscape.
("French is like a beautiful woman: you must caress her, cajole her, understand her, and love her.")
97 Years Old
A renowned singer-songwriter and poet celebrated for his poignant lyrics and soothing melodies that capture the essence of Quebec's cultural heritage. His works often explore themes of love, nature, and social justice.
Born in 1914
A Quebec cultural icon, known for his poignant folk songs and poetry that captured the essence of French-Canadian identity, leaving a lasting impact on the country's music and literature scene.
Born in 1895
A renowned poet, novelist, and critic, best known for his historical novels, particularly "I, Claudius" and "Count Belisarius", which vividly brought ancient civilizations to life.
90 Years Old
A renowned Quebecois comedian, actor, and producer, known for his biting satire and humorous takes on Quebec politics and culture.
