Moroccan-Born Actress Nadia Farès: Life of European Cinema Pioneer
Moroccan-born actress lived internationally, bridging European and American entertainment worlds.
Event / Entertainment
Nadia Farès Death
French actress Nadia Farès, known for her 2001 role in 'Les Rivières pourpres', died on April 17, 2026, at age 57 following a cardiac incident while swimming at a private pool in Paris on April 13. She was hospitalized in a coma at La Pitié Salpêtrière but could not be saved. Despite previous brain surgery in 2007 and three heart operations, she maintained an active lifestyle and was preparing to direct her first feature film.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Apr, 10:06 UTC
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What happened
Nadia Farès found unconscious in private swimming pool in Paris
Nadia Farès was discovered unconscious in a private swimming pool located on Rue Blanche in the 9th arrondissement of Paris on Sunday, April 13, 2026. She was brought to the surface and hospitalized at La Pitié Salpêtrière hospital. An investigation was opened but no infractions were found.
Nadia Farès born in Marrakech, Morocco in 1968
Nadia Farès was born in Marrakech, Morocco in 1968. She grew up in Nice, France before moving to Paris to pursue an acting career. She began her film career in the 1990s, working with renowned directors including Alexandre Arcady, Claude Lelouch, and Bernie Bonvoisin.
Nadia Farès starred in acclaimed 2000 film 'Les Rivières pourpres'
Nadia Farès became known to the general public in 2001 with her role in the film 'Les Rivières pourpres' (The Purple Rivers) directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, alongside actors Jean Reno and Vincent Cassel. This role opened doors to international cinema and led to appearances in English-language action films such as 'Rogue: l'ultime affrontement' and 'Insane', as well as French films including 'Nid de guêpes' and 'L'ex-femme de ma vie'.
Nadia Farès had undergone multiple cardiac and neurological surgeries
In 2007, Nadia Farès underwent brain surgery to treat an aneurysm. In subsequent years, she had three heart operations within a four-year period. Despite these medical challenges, she maintained a regular swimming routine of four times per week.
Nadia Farès was set to direct and write her first feature film
Nadia Farès was scheduled to direct and write her first feature-length film in September 2026. In January 2026, she disclosed in an interview that she had assembled a team to work on an action comedy with Studios TF1, describing the process as requiring hard work, self-reflection, and determination.
Nadia Farès lived in United States with film producer Steve Chasman
Nadia Farès moved to the United States and lived with film producer Steve Chasman, whom she met in Normandy at Luc Besson's castle. The couple had two daughters, Cylia and Shana Chasman. They separated four years before her death, after which she returned to live in France.
Nadia Farès returned to acting in Netflix series 'Marseille' in 2016
In 2016, Nadia Farès made a career comeback by joining the Netflix series 'Marseille', where she played the president of the departmental council of Bouches-du-Rhône alongside actors Gérard Depardieu and Benoît Magimel. After this return, she primarily appeared in television series, television films, and streaming platform productions.
Actress Nadia Farès dies at age 57 after cardiac incident in Paris pool
French actress Nadia Farès died on Friday, April 17, 2026, at La Pitié Salpêtrière hospital in Paris at age 57. She had been found unconscious in a private swimming pool on Rue Blanche in the 9th arrondissement of Paris on Sunday and was hospitalized in a coma. Her daughters Cylia and Shana Chasman announced her death, stating she suffered a cardiac incident while swimming.
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2 alternative perspectives
Nadia Farès: From Film Star to Aspiring Director
Acclaimed actress Nadia Farès was transitioning to filmmaking with a planned directorial feature debut.
Actress Nadia Farès dies following cardiac incident in Paris
Actress Nadia Farès, 57, died from a cardiac incident in a Paris swimming pool.