Obituaries - World news, culture and opinion

Rosalynn Carter, the death of a highly political first lady

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter had been married since 1946. She played a decisive political and diplomatic role during their time in the White House, between 1977 and 1981.

Published today at 10:04 am (Paris) Arnaud Leparmentier

News

Rosalynn Carter, outspoken former first lady, dies at 96

The Carter Center said the former first lady died on Sunday after living with dementia and suffering months of declining health. Aides to former President Carter sometimes referred to her privately as 'co-president' because of her active role at the White House.

Published yesterday at 11:46 pm (Paris), updated at 8:58 am Le Monde with AP

News

Author, critic, and poet A.S. Byatt dies aged 87

The novelist and short-story writer won the 1990 Booker Prize, as well as many other accolades for her 24 novels and works of criticism. She was made a dame in 1999.

Published on November 17, 2023, at 5:09 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Apollo astronaut Thomas Mattingly dies at 87

The American astronaut formerly part of the Apollo 13 mission played a vital role in ensuring the safe return of its crew through his ground control problem-solving efforts.

Published on November 3, 2023, at 1:06 am (Paris), updated on November 3, 2023, at 7:12 am Le Monde with AFP

News analysis

Matthew Perry, elegy for a sad clown

The actor, who died on October 28, was the most constructed and endearing character in the cult series 'Friends'.

Published on November 1, 2023, at 4:16 pm (Paris) Audrey Fournier

Obituary

With the death of Matthew Perry, 'Friends' loses its Chandler Bing

Deliberately funny and ironic about his own weaknesses, weakened by his addictions to alcohol and painkillers, the actor marked the iconic sitcom with his impeccable sense of comic timing. He died on October 28 at the age of 54.

Published on October 29, 2023, at 12:01 pm (Paris), updated on October 30, 2023, at 9:46 am Thomas Sotinel

News

'Friends' actor Matthew Perry dies aged 54

The actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ.

Published on October 29, 2023, at 2:13 am (Paris), updated on October 29, 2023, at 11:29 am Le Monde with AP

News

Former Chinese premier Li Keqiang dies of heart attack at 68

Li, a reform-minded bureaucrat, was considered a contender to succeed then-Communist Party leader Hu Jintao in 2013 but was passed over in favor of Xi Jinping, under whom he served as premier for 10 years.

Published on October 27, 2023, at 4:02 am (Paris), updated on October 27, 2023, at 7:58 am Le Monde with AFP

News

Richard Roundtree, star of hit 'Shaft' films, dies at 81

Roundtree's major debut, 'Shaft', was hailed as a seminal classic of the 1970s 'Blaxploitation' genre – which fans say addressed questions of race relations in society.

Published on October 25, 2023, at 4:33 am (Paris), updated on October 25, 2023, at 7:50 am Le Monde with AFP

News

English football icon Bobby Charlton dies aged 86

The Manchester United great, described by the club as a 'giant of the game,' died at the age of 86, his family said on Saturday.

Published on October 21, 2023, at 5:45 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Oscar-nominated actor Burt Young dies at 83

The actor, best known for playing Paulie in the 'Rocky' franchise – for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor – died on October 8 in Los Angeles.

Published on October 19, 2023, at 11:30 am (Paris), updated on October 19, 2023, at 11:36 am Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, tireless mediator for peace, has died

The dedicated elder statesman and diplomat, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008, died on Monday, October 16, in Helsinki. He was 86 years old.

Published on October 19, 2023, at 3:10 am (Paris) Anne-Françoise Hivert

Obituary

The death of American Literature Nobel Prize-winning poet Louise Glück

The poet and essayist, considered a major voice in contemporary American poetry, was only recently translated into French. She died on October 13, aged 80.

Published on October 18, 2023, at 2:37 pm (Paris) Florence Noiville

News

Former Finnish president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari dies aged 86

The global peace broker was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his work to resolve violent conflicts in countries including Kosovo, Serbia and Northern Ireland.

Published on October 16, 2023, at 9:48 am (Paris), updated on October 16, 2023, at 10:09 am Le Monde with AP

News

'Three's Company,' 'Step by Step' actress Suzanne Somers dies at 76

Somers' career took off after playing the blonde driving the white Thunderbird in George Lucas's 1973 film 'American Graffiti.' She had breast cancer for over 23 years and died on Sunday.

Published on October 15, 2023, at 10:47 pm (Paris), updated on October 16, 2023, at 7:20 am Le Monde with AP

News

'Carrie' actress Piper Laurie dies at 91

The actress, three-time Academy Award nominee for 'The Hustler,' 'Carrie' and 'Children of a Lesser God,' died early Saturday in her home in Los Angeles.

Published on October 15, 2023, at 3:24 am (Paris), updated on October 15, 2023, at 8:33 am Le Monde with AP

Profile

Arras terror attack: The death of Dominique Bernard, a respected literature teacher who 'took his work to heart'

The 57-year-old teacher was killed by Mohammed M. on Friday. Three other people were injured in the attack.

Published on October 14, 2023, at 2:42 pm (Paris) Florence Traullé

Obituary

Hubert Reeves, Canadian-French astrophysicist and science popularizer, dies aged 91

A specialist in the history of the cosmos, Reeves made science accessible to all. He died in Paris on October 13, aged 91.

Published on October 14, 2023, at 2:28 pm (Paris) Pierre Barthélémy

News

Louise Glück, US poet and Nobel laureate, dies at 80

Glück, a poet of unblinking candor and perception who wove classical allusions, philosophical reveries, bittersweet memories and humorous asides into indelible portraits of a fallen and heartrending world, passed away on Friday.

Published on October 13, 2023, at 11:08 pm (Paris), updated on October 16, 2023, at 7:07 am Le Monde with AP and AFP

News

US Senate veteran Dianne Feinstein dies at 90

Although Feinstein was not always embraced by the feminist movement, her experiences colored her outlook throughout her five decades in politics.

Published on September 29, 2023, at 3:05 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP and AFP

Obituary

Michael Gambon, Irish-English actor who ruled the stage and halls of Hogwarts, has died

Although best known internationally for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, Gambon was also a stalwart of the theater. He died of pneumonia on September 27 at the age of 82.

Published on September 29, 2023, at 8:56 am (Paris) Thomas Sotinel

News

Actor Michael Gambon, famous for playing Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter,' dies aged 82

Sir Gambon won four BAFTAs over a career spanning television, film, radio and theater.

Published on September 28, 2023, at 2:09 pm (Paris), updated on September 28, 2023, at 2:18 pm Le Monde with AP

News

Scottish-born actor David McCallum dies at 90

McCallum, who became a teen heartthrob in the hit series 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' in the 1960s – and was the eccentric medical examiner in the popular 'NCIS' 40 years later – passed in New York on Monday, September 25, 2024.

Published on September 26, 2023, at 12:06 am (Paris) Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Mafia boss and ruthless killer Matteo Messina Denaro dies aged 61

Suffering from incurable cancer, this Toto Riina devotee, directly implicated in dozens of murders, was arrested in Palermo in January after three decades on the run. His death at the age of 61 was announced on Monday.

Published on September 25, 2023, at 10:18 am (Paris) Thomas Saintourens

News

Cosa Nostra boss and once most wanted man in Italy dies at 61

Matteo Messina Denaro was apprehended earlier this year in a private clinic in Palermo (Italy), after three decades in hiding. He died in his hospital bed in the city of L'Aquila during the night of September 24, 2023.

Published on September 25, 2023, at 4:23 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Obituary

The death of Giorgio Napolitano, former communist and Italian president

The tireless activist who started off as a communist and played a leading role in the life of Italian politics died on September 22 at the age of 98. A symbol of stability and political longevity, he remained president for nine years.

Published on September 23, 2023, at 11:42 am (Paris) Philippe Ridet

News

Former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano dies at 98

Premier Giorgia Meloni, whose far-right party is at the opposite end of the political spectrum of the late president, expressed condolences in the name of her government.

Published on September 22, 2023, at 10:47 pm (Paris), updated on September 23, 2023, at 2:03 am Le Monde with AP

News

Colombian artist Fernando Botero dies aged 91

Considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, the Colombian artist was most famous for his voluptuous figures. His death was announced on Friday.

Published on September 15, 2023, at 4:22 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Dominique Colonna, former France goalkeeper, dies aged 95

The Corsican who played for Stade de Reims was one of last surviving members of France's squad at the 1958 World Cup.

Published on September 12, 2023, at 3:24 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Obituary

Marc Bohan, former creative director of Dior, has died

For over 25 years, he reigned over the renowned French fashion house. A discreet friend to the stars, he established the brand in the perfume market. He died on September 6, 2023, at the age of 97.

Published on September 8, 2023, at 2:09 pm (Paris) Maud Gabrielson

Obituary

José Sébéloué, tender voice of 80's French band La Compagnie Créole, has died

The singer from French Guiana, co-founder of the festive hit band, died in Paris on Sunday, aged 74.

Published on September 6, 2023, at 2:00 pm (Paris), updated on September 6, 2023, at 3:23 pm Stéphane Davet

News

Mohamed Al-Fayed, Egyptian billionaire tycoon, has died at 94

The enigmatic billionaire, whose eldest son died in a car crash with Princess Diana, was known for his iconic business ventures and his strained relationship with the British establishment.

Published on September 1, 2023, at 11:58 pm (Paris), updated on September 2, 2023, at 9:03 am Le Monde with AFP

News

Popular game show host Bob Barker has died

Barker was a household name for a half-century as host of 'Truth or Consequences' and 'The Price Is Right'.

Published on August 26, 2023, at 8:34 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Italian pop singer Toto Cutugno, an inspiration for French hits, dies

The singer and composer of over 300 melodies enjoyed huge success in the 1970s and 1980s, notably with 'L’Italiano' in 1983. In France, his tunes were used for 'L’Été Indien,' 'Laissez-moi Danser' and 'Méditerranéenne.'

Published on August 23, 2023, at 4:44 pm (Paris) Sylvain Siclier

Obituary

French economist and exceptional professor Daniel Cohen dies

One of France's most respected and instructive economists passed away on Sunday at the age of 70. A professor at the École Normale Supérieur, he revealed the relevance of the field to everyday life.

Published on August 21, 2023, at 3:51 pm (Paris), updated on August 23, 2023, at 11:21 am Philippe Escande

Obituary

Jean-Louis Georgelin, general in charge of rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris, has died

The former army chief of staff died while hiking in the mountains, a year before the end of the mission entrusted to him by Emmanuel Macron. He was 74 years old.

Published on August 20, 2023, at 6:00 pm (Paris) Laurent Carpentier

News

Ron Cephas-Jones, 'This Is Us' actor, dead at 66

Jones had a double lung transplant in 2020 because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and spent nearly two months in a Los Angeles hospital.

Published on August 20, 2023, at 4:59 am (Paris), updated on August 20, 2023, at 9:11 am Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Pierre Alferi, a singular writer, has died

The writer and poet, who was the eldest son of philosopher Jacques Derrida, and authored a wide range of works including collections, novels and essays, died in Paris on August 16, aged 60.

Published on August 18, 2023, at 3:19 am (Paris), updated on August 18, 2023, at 7:43 am Fabrice Gabriel

News

British 'chat show king' Michael Parkinson dies aged 88

The veteran TV host's career spanned seven decades and he interviewed the world's biggest stars on his long-running chat show.

Published on August 17, 2023, at 2:52 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Italian opera diva Renata Scotto dies aged 89

Scotto, famously a soprano of uncommon intensity who became a successful director after her singing career, died on Wednesday in her hometown of Savona, Italy.

Published on August 16, 2023, at 7:40 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Clarence Avant, 'Black Godfather' of music, and benefactor of athletes and politicians, dies aged 92

Avant, the manager, entrepreneur, facilitator and adviser who helped launch or guide the careers of Quincy Jones, Bill Withers and many others and came to be known as 'The Godfather of Black Music,' has died. He was 92.

Published on August 14, 2023, at 8:52 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Robbie Robertson, founder of 'The Band' and road companion of Bob Dylan

With his band, the guitarist crafted albums that left a significant impact on his peers during the 1960s, eventually forging an unbreakable connection with Martin Scorsese.

Published on August 11, 2023, at 11:47 pm (Paris), updated on August 12, 2023, at 8:05 am Bruno Lesprit

Obituary

Sixto Rodriguez, enigmatic singer-songwriter, has died

Brought out of relative obscurity in 2012 by the documentary 'Searching for Sugar Man', the American singer-songwriter passed away at 81 years old.

Published on August 10, 2023, at 2:58 am (Paris), updated on August 10, 2023, at 9:14 am Sylvain Siclier

News

Robbie Robertson, iconic songwriter and guitarist of The Band, dies at 80

From collaborating with Bob Dylan to crafting timeless rock classics, the Canadian-born musician helped reshape American music.

Published on August 9, 2023, at 11:55 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Musician Sixto Rodriguez, subject of 'Searching for Sugarman' documentary, dies at 81

The musician flopped in the United States, but he became a star in South Africa for songs protesting the Vietnam War, racial inequality, abuse of women and social mores.

Published on August 9, 2023, at 6:14 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Federico Bahamontes, winner of the 1959 Tour de France, has died

The 'Eagle of Toledo,' one of cycling's greatest climbers and the first Spaniard to win the Tour, died on Tuesday, aged 95.

Published on August 8, 2023, at 10:09 am (Paris) Alexandre Pedro

Obituary

Gilles Perrault, author of 'The Red Sweater', has died aged 92

The son of members of the French Resistance, the author wrote of hidden lives and secret histories, publishing 50 books, many of which have been translated and adapted for the screen.

Published on August 8, 2023, at 9:32 am (Paris), updated on August 8, 2023, at 9:58 am Elisabeth Roudinesco

Op-Ed

'Hélène Carrère d'Encausse is something else'

The historian and member of the Académie Française Pascal Ory writes that the institution's long-standing secretary, who died on August 5, transcended her vocation as a historian by successively taking positions of leadership in the two fields that defined her: European politics and the Académie Française.

Published on August 8, 2023, at 3:21 am (Paris), updated on August 8, 2023, at 8:31 am Pascal Ory

Obituary

John Guez, the 'maestro' of Beaubourg, has died

The artist long embodied the art of street theater in front of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He died in Paris on August 2, at the age of 81.

Published on August 8, 2023, at 2:06 am (Paris), updated on August 8, 2023, at 7:52 am Francis Marmande

News

William Friedkin, Oscar-winning director of 'The French Connection' and 'The Exorcist', is dead at 87

Friedkin was hailed as a leading member of a new generation of filmmakers.

Published on August 7, 2023, at 7:44 pm (Paris), updated on August 7, 2023, at 8:59 pm Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Hélène Carrère d'Encausse, first woman to head the Académie Française, has died

The historian, who was the third female member of the institution and elected permanent secretary in 1999, died aged 94.

Published on August 7, 2023, at 10:57 am (Paris) Philippe-Jean Catinchi

Obituary

Konrad Klapheck, a painter who colored outside the lines, has died

The German artist, who was one of the first to inscribe the power of machines in art, died on July 30 at the age of 88.

Published on August 3, 2023, at 9:00 am (Paris) Philippe Dagen

Obituary

Henri Konan Bédié, former president and Machiavellian figure of Côte d'Ivoire, has died

The leader of the Côte d'Ivoire Democratic Party died in Abidjan at the age of 89. He was one of the most powerful figures in the country's political life for half a century.

Published on August 2, 2023, at 3:50 pm (Paris) Marine Jeannin

Obituary

Geneviève de Fontenay, former president of the Miss France Committee, has died

The emblematic figure of the Miss France pageant, nicknamed the 'Lady in the Hat,' died at the age of 90.

Published on August 2, 2023, at 2:39 pm (Paris) Sandrine Leconte

Obituary

Sophie Fillières, director of zany French comedies, has died at 58

The French filmmaker and screenwriter behind 'Ouch' and 'Gentille' died on July 31.

Published on August 2, 2023, at 11:45 am (Paris), updated on August 2, 2023, at 11:46 am Mathieu Macheret

News

Angus Cloud, breakout star of 'Euphoria,' is dead at 25

The actor, beloved for his portrayal of Fezco on the hit HBO drama, recently lost his father and 'was open about his battle with mental health,' according to a family statement.

Published on August 1, 2023, at 1:37 am (Paris) Le Monde with AP and AFP

News

Paul Reubens, actor behind 'Pee-wee Herman,' has died at age 70

The artist behind the lasting absurdist character – who found popularity in both film and TV – was privately dealing with cancer over the last number of years.

Published on August 1, 2023, at 12:24 am (Paris), updated on August 1, 2023, at 1:53 am Le Monde with AFP

Obituary

With the death of Martin Walser, Germany loses one of its greatest post-war writers

The author of 'Death of a Critic' and 'Marriage in Philippsburg' died on July 28, in Uberlingen near his beloved Lake Constance, aged 96.

Published on July 30, 2023, at 3:58 pm (Paris) Pierre Deshusses

News

Randy Meisner, founding member of the Eagles, dies at 77

The singer of 'Take it to the Limit' died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the Eagles said. Meisner joined the band in the early 1970s to be part of one of the most popular acts in history.

Published on July 28, 2023, at 2:26 am (Paris), updated on July 28, 2023, at 7:26 am Le Monde with AP

Obituary

Sinead O'Connor, singer of despair and revolt, has died

The Irish musician died on Wednesday at age 56. Known for the global hit 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' released in 1990, she caused a scandal by tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II live on television.

Published on July 27, 2023, at 11:54 am (Paris) Bruno Lesprit