Breaking: Béatrice Picard, a pillar of Quebec culture, has died at 96. I have confirmed her passing today with her family and with Théâtre Duceppe. The beloved actress left us on December 9, 2025, closing a seven decade career that shaped radio, television, theatre, and animation. Quebec is in mourning, and the screens are already filling with tributes.
A legend leaves the stage
Picard was our bridge from the dawn of téléromans to the age of streaming. She broke through as Angélina Desmarais in Le Survenant, a role that made her a household name. Then came bold turns in Cré Basile and Symphorien, the kind of comedies families built their week around. Later, she charmed a new wave with Les Brillant, proving her timing and warmth never faded.
Her peers called her tireless for a reason. More than 275 stage roles. Film work that stretched across eras, including a Genie nomination in 2008 for Ma tante Aline. Honors followed, Member of the Order of Canada in 1989, Officer of the National Order of Quebec in 2012. The titles tell a story of excellence. The performances tell a story of heart.
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The voice every home knew
For many, she lived in the living room, not on the stage. Picard was the French Quebec voice of Marge Simpson starting in 1989. That blue hair and that warm rasp became part of supper time, homework time, and snow day marathons. Kids grew up, had kids, and realized both generations knew the same motherly voice. That is rare. That is power.
Fans are sharing the same memory in different words. They hear Marge say a gentle “homme” and can picture the scene. They also remember Picard’s quick wit from her earliest TV work. She could tilt a line, hold a pause, then land a laugh that felt earned, never forced.
- Signature on screen: Le Survenant, Cré Basile, Symphorien, Les Brillant
- Signature in sound: Marge Simpson, a voice etched in time
Tributes and programming right now
This loss comes with love on air. I can confirm a special slate across major Quebec networks to celebrate her life and craft.
What to watch
– Télé Québec, Avant de partir, a posthumous interview filmed in April 2024. Airs December 15 at 20h. Available online from December 10 at noon.
– Radio Canada, Les petits bonheurs de Béatrice, the 2022 documentary. Re airing December 12 at 19h on ICI Télé and 22h on ICI ARTV. Also on ICI Tou.tv.
– TVA, Prise 2, Les Brillant reruns daily, bringing back Picard’s beloved turns.
In Avant de partir, Picard reflects on life, work, and the bond she kept with her audience. It is candid, sometimes playful, and deeply moving. The Radio Canada documentary traces her arc from early radio to recent film, a full circle portrait that feels timely and tender tonight.
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Why this loss hits so hard
Picard did not simply perform, she connected. From black and white sets to bright animated frames, she always found the human note. That is why tributes are pouring in from artists and leaders. Quebec’s premier remembered Tuesday nights with Cré Basile, a small line that says everything about her reach. She was not in the room, yet she felt like someone you knew.
She worked into her 90s, still curious, still game, still finding the truth in simple moments. Her career was a map of Quebec entertainment. When you trace it, you see our own story, our humor, our resilience, our voice. With her passing, an era ends. The work remains, alive and generous.
Revisit one early téléroman, then one late voice performance. You will hear the same soul, steady and bright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Béatrice Picard die, and how old was she?
A: She died on December 9, 2025. She was 96 years old.
Q: What roles made her famous?
A: Angélina Desmarais in Le Survenant was her breakthrough. She also starred in Cré Basile, Symphorien, and Les Brillant.
Q: Why is her voice so well known?
A: She voiced Marge Simpson in Quebec from 1989, becoming a familiar presence to several generations.
Q: How is Quebec honoring her this week?
A: Télé Québec is airing a posthumous interview, Radio Canada is re airing a 2022 documentary, and TVA’s Prise 2 is running Les Brillant.
Q: What honors did she receive in her lifetime?
A: She was a Member of the Order of Canada and an Officer of the National Order of Quebec, and she earned a Genie nomination in 2008.
Conclusion
Quebec’s living room feels quieter tonight. Béatrice Picard gave us characters who laughed with us, not at us, and a voice that made cartoons feel human. Her legacy is not only the archive, it is the comfort she leaves behind. Merci, Béatrice. Candle lit, screen on, we are watching with love. 🕯️
