Paris, 24 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – French broadcaster Laurent Ruquier has paid a warm Philippe Bouvard tribute following the death of the veteran journalist and presenter at the age of 96, describing him as a master of broadcasting and a model for generations who followed him.
Bouvard’s death was announced by RTL on Monday after the station was informed by his wife. His death prompted tributes across French radio and television to a broadcaster whose career stretched over more than seven decades.
Ruquier, who succeeded Bouvard as presenter of RTL’s long-running Les Grosses Têtes in 2014, acknowledged both his predecessor’s influence and the complicated history surrounding the handover of the programme.
Laurent Ruquier remembers a broadcasting model
Speaking on RTL, Ruquier called Bouvard a “master” of his profession and said he had been an example and model to him in both broadcasting and journalism.
Ruquier credited Bouvard with developing an irreverent interviewing style that went beyond the usual promotional conversations with celebrities. He said broadcasters including Thierry Ardisson, Marc-Olivier Fogiel and himself could be considered the “children and grandchildren” of Bouvard’s approach.
The comments formed one of the most prominent early tributes following confirmation of Bouvard’s death.
Ruquier also acknowledged that their relationship had experienced “ups and downs”, particularly after he took over Les Grosses Têtes. Bouvard had presented the programme for 37 years and had found leaving it difficult.
Philippe Bouvard’s decades at Les Grosses Têtes
Bouvard created Les Grosses Têtes on RTL in 1977. The programme combined general knowledge, humour and deliberately irreverent exchanges between its host and a rotating group of personalities.
It became one of France’s best-known radio programmes, with Bouvard remaining at its centre until Ruquier succeeded him in 2014.
Ruquier has now presented the programme for 12 years and said he remained proud to continue the show that Bouvard had built over nearly four decades.
The Philippe Bouvard tribute also highlighted his wider contribution to French television and journalism rather than focusing solely on his RTL career.
A career spanning journalism, radio and television
Bouvard began his journalism career at Le Figaro in the 1950s and later worked at France-Soir. His broadcasting career made him one of the most recognisable voices in French media.
On television, he presented Le Petit Théâtre de Bouvard on Antenne 2 during the 1980s. The programme provided early exposure to performers who later became established names in French entertainment, including Muriel Robin, Michèle Bernier, Les Inconnus and Chevallier et Laspalès.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said Bouvard had spent more than 70 years contributing to newspapers, radio and television, paying tribute to his distinctive writing and journalistic character.
Why Bouvard’s influence matters
Ruquier’s remarks underline how Bouvard’s influence extended beyond individual programmes. His combination of journalism, humour and provocative questioning helped shape a style later adopted by other prominent French broadcasters.
Jean-Pierre Foucault also remembered Bouvard as a master of the profession, while other figures from French media paid tribute throughout Monday.
What happens next?
RTL has changed its programming to commemorate Bouvard, including a special edition of Les Grosses Têtes led by Ruquier on Monday afternoon. The programme is expected to focus on Bouvard’s career and his long association with the show he created.
The Philippe Bouvard tribute is likely to remain central to RTL’s coverage as colleagues, performers and broadcasters reflect on one of the most enduring careers in modern French radio and television.
