Marc Messier
One of Québec's most beloved actors. Co-founder of Broue, an unforgettable face of Lance et compte, Les Boys and La Petite Vie.
Obituary for Marc Messier
It is with immense sadness that Québec's cultural community and the family of Marc Messier announce his passing on July 7, 2026 in Montréal, at the age of 79.
A beloved figure for several generations, he left his mark on the stage and on screens big and small for nearly six decades. He is survived by his loved ones, his fellow performers and an immense public.
Details of the ceremonies will be shared by the family in the coming days.
About Marc Messier
Born in Montréal on June 30, 1947, Marc Messier turned to theatre early and became one of the most versatile actors of his generation. Stage-trained, he developed acting that was both generous and precise, moving effortlessly between comedy and drama.
In 1979 he co-founded the play Broue, which became one of the most-performed productions in the history of Québec theatre and ran for nearly forty years. This exceptional longevity made it a cultural landmark as much as a popular success.
The general public discovered him as Marc Gagnon in Lance et compte, then embraced him for good with the Les Boys franchise (Bob) and the character of Réjean Pinard in La Petite Vie. By turns funny, tender and moving, he embodied a Québec that saw itself in him.
Across five decades he moved between the stage, television sets and the big screen, leaving a rare mark on Québec popular culture and on the generations of actors who followed him.
"Making people laugh is as serious as making them cry."
Career
Profession, key milestones, achievements and honours.
Profession
Actor (theatre, television, film)
Also
Co-author and co-creator of shows
Active years
Late 1960s to 2020
Range
Comedy, drama, ensemble show
- Late 1960s
Stage debut and a swift rise in Québec theatre.
- 1979
Co-founds Broue, which runs for nearly forty years.
- 1986
Plays Marc Gagnon in the cult TV series Lance et compte.
- 1989
Appears in Denys Arcand's Jésus de Montréal.
- 1993
Becomes Réjean Pinard in La Petite Vie, a television phenomenon.
- 1997
Plays Bob in the Les Boys franchise, a huge box-office hit.
- 2017
Broue takes its final bow after a legendary stage run.
- 2026
Passes away in Montréal at the age of 79.
Notable works
His greatest successes, on stage, on television and in film.
Theatre
TV series
TV series
Film
Film
FilmFilmography & stage work
A selection of notable works by medium.
Theatre
| 1979 | Broue (co-creator, ran until 2017) | Play |
| 1980 | Les Voisins (Louis Saia and Louise Roy) | Play |
Television
| 1986 | Lance et compte — Marc Gagnon | TV series |
| 1993 | La Petite Vie — Réjean Pinard | TV series |
| 1997 | Omertà II — Paul Spencer | TV series |
| 2004 | Grande Ourse — Louis-Bernard Lapointe | TV series |
| 2019 | La Faille — Jules Ricard | TV series |
Film
| 1972 | La Vie rêvée | Feature film |
| 1989 | Jésus de Montréal | Feature film |
| 1990 | Une histoire inventée — Lentaignes | Feature film |
| 1994 | Le Vent du Wyoming — Albert Mouton | Feature film |
| 1997 | Les Boys (I–IV) — Bob | Feature film |
| 2002 | Les Dangereux — Paul Labelle | Feature film |
| 2008 | Le Grand Départ — Jean-Paul Cardin | Feature film |
| 2021 | L'Arracheuse de temps — Méo | Feature film |
| 2023 | Les Hommes de ma mère — Jacques-Antoine | Feature film |
Guest book
Share a memory or a word of comfort with the family.
Frequently asked questions
When did Marc Messier die?
Marc Messier died on July 7, 2026 in Montréal, at the age of 79.
What are his best-known roles?
Marc Gagnon in Lance et compte, Bob in Les Boys, Réjean Pinard in La Petite Vie and the play Broue, which he co-created.
Did Marc Messier work in theatre?
Yes. He co-founded Broue, one of the most-performed plays in the history of Québec theatre.
How old was Marc Messier?
He was 79, having been born on June 30, 1947 in Montréal.
Sources & references
Information to verify against public sources before publication.