A mother and daughter's shared cinematic journey across decades
Mother and daughter actresses Nathalie Baye and Laura Smet collaborated in two film and television projects together.
Event / Entertainment
French Actresses Deaths April
Deaths of prominent French actresses Nathalie Baye and Nadia Farès in April 2026, representing significant losses to French cinema and entertainment industry.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Apr, 11:38 UTC
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What happened
Laura Smet and Nathalie Baye appeared together in two film and television projects
Laura Smet and her mother Nathalie Baye worked together professionally on two occasions: first in the television series 'Dix pour cent' in 2015, and later in the film 'Les Gardiennes' directed by Xavier Beauvois in 2017.
Laura Smet is the daughter of actress Nathalie Baye and musician Johnny Hallyday
Laura Smet, born in 1983, is the daughter of actress Nathalie Baye and musician Johnny Hallyday. Her parents met on the set of a music video clip and separated in 1986. Johnny Hallyday died in 2017.
Laura Smet publicly mourns her mother Nathalie Baye on Instagram
Laura Smet, the 42-year-old actress and daughter of Nathalie Baye, published a tribute message on Instagram on Sunday, April 19, 2026. In the post, accompanied by a childhood photograph of herself with her mother, she wrote: 'I lost half of my heart. She was the best mother in the world.' She thanked followers for their condolences and messages of support.
Multiple French celebrities react to Laura Smet's tribute to Nathalie Baye
Several prominent French entertainment figures responded to Laura Smet's Instagram tribute to her mother, including actor Guillaume Canet, actor Paul Belmondo, comedian Jamel Debbouze, and television presenter Laurent Delahousse.
French actress Nathalie Baye dies at age 77 from Lewy body disease
Nathalie Baye, an iconic figure of French cinema, died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 77 from Lewy body disease, a neurodegenerative condition. She was known for her rich filmography and discrete but popular presence in French film.
Nadia Farès appeared in 'Purple Rivers' film in 2001
Nadia Farès gained international recognition in 2001 with her role in the film 'The Purple Rivers' directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. Born in 1968 in Marrakech, Morocco, she grew up in Nice, France, and began her film career in the 1990s working with directors such as Alexandre Arcady and Claude Lelouch.
Nathalie Baye began her career in 1973
Nathalie Baye made her film debut in 1973 in 'La Nuit américaine' directed by François Truffaut. Born on July 6, 1948, in Mainneville in the Eure department, she initially trained as a dancer and studied at the Paris Conservatory of Dramatic Arts before pursuing an acting career.
Nathalie Baye had extensive filmography spanning multiple genres
Nathalie Baye appeared in over 80 films throughout her career, working with renowned French directors including François Truffaut, Xavier Dolan, Bertrand Blier, and Claude Chabrol. She also appeared in American films, including 'Catch Me If You Can' directed by Steven Spielberg, in which she played Leonardo DiCaprio's mother.
French actress Nadia Farès died at age 57
Nadia Farès, a French actress known for her role in the television series 'Marseille,' died on April 18, 2026. She was 57 years old. She had been found unconscious in a swimming pool in Paris a week earlier and had been in an artificial coma since then. She died at La Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris.
Nathalie Baye died from Lewy body disease
Nathalie Baye died of Lewy body disease, a neurodegenerative condition that combines symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. She had been ill and in concerning health condition since summer 2025.
French actress Nathalie Baye died at age 77
Nathalie Baye, a renowned French actress, died on Friday, April 17, 2026, at her home in Paris. She was 77 years old. She had been in declining health since summer 2025. Her family announced her death on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Nadia Farès had swimming pool accident in Paris
Nadia Farès was found unconscious in a swimming pool in Paris approximately one week before April 18, 2026. She was placed in an artificial coma following the accident.
Nathalie Baye signed manifesto supporting end-of-life law reform
In 2023, Nathalie Baye signed a manifesto with 109 other personalities calling on President Emmanuel Macron to evolve French law regarding end-of-life issues.
Nathalie Baye won four César Awards during her career
Nathalie Baye was a multi-awarded actress who won four César Awards. She won Best Supporting Actress three consecutive years from 1981 to 1983, and then again in 2006 for 'The Young Lieutenant.' She also won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival in 1999 for 'A Pornographic Affair.'
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2 alternative perspectives
French cinema mourns as Baye's family shares tribute to legacy
Laura Smet publicly mourns mother Nathalie Baye; French celebrities respond to family tribute.
French Actress Nadia Farès Dies Following Swimming Pool Accident
French actress Nadia Farès, 57, died in a swimming pool accident in Paris.
Nathalie Baye, Four-Time César Winner, Dies at 77
Four-time César winner Nathalie Baye dies at 77 from Lewy body disease.