Quebec has lost a cultural icon with the passing of actress Béatrice Picard, who died Tuesday morning at the age of 96. Her family confirmed the news through a heartfelt message posted by Théâtre Duceppe on social media.
Béatrice Picard was lauded as “one of the most vigorous builders of our culture” in Quebec, balancing a rich personal life with her fervent passion for the performing arts and various humanitarian causes. Her children—François, Stéphane, Sylvain, and Frédéric—shared that even in her final days, Picard was thinking of those she touched throughout her illustrious career.
Picard was well-known to both older and younger generations; while many recognized her as “Madame Bellemare” from the beloved television series “Symphorien,” others saw her as the distinct voice of Marge Simpson in the Quebec adaptation of “The Simpsons.” Just weeks before her death, she updated her followers about her role as a godmother for the Saint-Jérôme Seniors’ Fair, despite experiencing physical challenges as she aged.
Her impressive versatility allowed her to excel in various genres, including slapstick comedy and realistic theatre. Picard had a profound impact on Quebec’s cultural landscape for over 75 years, making recent appearances in projects like Guy Édoin’s film “Frontières.”
One of her crowning achievements came in 2016 when she starred in the award-winning short film “Marguerite,” directed by Marianne Farley, which earned her Best Actress honors at the 2018 Rendez-Vous Québec Cinéma gala. Her tenacity shone brightly in 2017 when, after collapsing during a performance of “Harold et Maude,” she returned to the stage the following day against medical advice.
Born in Montreal on July 3, 1929, Picard’s artistic journey began with radio in 1947. She gained fame in the early 1950s for her role as Angélina on “Le Survenant,” leading to a long career filled with memorable characters and numerous accolades. Throughout the decades, she became a household name, appearing in many television shows, films, and theatrical productions. Additionally, she had a prolific career in voice acting, lending her voice to Marge Simpson from 1990 until her passing, including in the 2007 feature film.
Beyond her artistic contributions, Picard served important roles within her community, including her position on the board of the Union des artistes and as a provincial godmother for Petits Frères des pauvres. She was recognized for her contributions, becoming a member of the Order of Canada in 1989 and an Officer of the National Order of Quebec in 2012.
Théâtre Duceppe honored Picard’s legacy, expressing gratitude for the joy she brought to many. They noted her feminism, passion, and determination, which greatly influenced Quebec culture. Many artists and colleagues have shared their fond memories of her, highlighting her lasting impact on generations to come.
Quebec Premier François Legault offered his condolences, reflecting on her indelible mark on the province’s cultural landscape. As the community mourns, Béatrice Picard leaves behind a legacy of talent, humor, and resilience that will resonate in the hearts of many for years to come.