Raymond Bouchard, Quebec Acting Legend, Dies at 80
Raymond Bouchard, a prolific Quebec actor known for his work in theater, film, and television for over 60 years, passed away Saturday morning due to complications from a viral infection, surrounded by his family at Verdun Hospital.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE
Raymond Bouchard
His daughter, Isabelle Bouchard, confirmed the news. “It’s extremely difficult, we will miss him very much,” she added.
Born on March 7, 1945, in Lauzon (now part of Lévis, Quebec), Bouchard leaves behind two daughters, Caroline and Isabelle. He was known for balancing a successful career with a strong family life, according to his daughter.
A Versatile Stage and Screen Presence
Bouchard’s career spanned decades, encompassing some of the most significant roles in Quebec’s theatrical repertoire. He performed as Argan in Le Malade Imaginaire, Othello in the play of the same name, George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and a juror in Twelve Angry Men.
In film, he is fondly remembered for his portrayal of Germain Lesage, the scheming mayor in La Grande Séduction (2003). He also appeared in over 30 films, including Cordélia (1980), Ding and Dong, the Movie (1990), Life with My Father (2005), and French productions Les Profs (2013 & 2015).
Bouchard’s voice was also recognizable, lending itself to numerous dubbing projects, including the Harry Potter series (as Argus Filch) and Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as animated films like Cars.
Early Television Roles and Lasting Impact
He began his television career in 1978 with Race de Monde, playing Jean-Maurice Beauchemin. He also starred in Annie and Her Men, Ladies of Heart, Scoop, and The Gold and the Paper, for which he won a Gemini Award in 1990.
His imposing voice and physical presence often led to roles as CEOs, police officers, or tough characters.
An Unexpected Calling
Bouchard’s journey to acting was somewhat accidental. Encouraged by Father Thibodeau, a teacher who recognized his vocal talent, he joined a theater troupe despite initial shyness. He later studied at Laval University and the Quebec Conservatory, graduating in 1970.
He continued to perform in recent years, appearing in the play Le Placard in 2023 and the television series Une Affaire Criminelle in 2022.
(Re)read “Raymond Bouchard in 10 roles”
With Fannie Arcand, La Presse
