Nathalie Baye, French Actress and Four-Time César Winner, Dies at 77 The renowned French actress Nathalie Baye, celebrated for her illustrious filmography and four César Awards, passed away at the age of 77. Her death was announced on Saturday, April 18, by her family, who revealed she succumbed to Lewy body disease, a neurodegenerative condition marked by symptoms overlapping with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The announcement came after months of declining health, with her family confirming her passing at her Parisian home. Baye, a towering figure in French cinema, began her career in 1973 with François Truffaut’s La Nuit américaine, which launched her into the spotlight. Over the decades, she collaborated with iconic directors such as Jean-Luc Godard, Bertrand Blier, and Xavier Dolan, while also starring alongside luminaries like Nicole Garcia and Steven Spielberg. Her role as the mother of Leonardo DiCaprio in Arrête-moi si tu peux (1995) showcased her versatility on the global stage. Her accolades included four César Awards, with standout wins for best actress in 1983 for La Balance and 2006 for Le Petit lieutenant. Beyond her acting, Baye was known for her audacious personality and willingness to challenge norms, earning her a reputation as both a classically trained performer and a trailblazer. She was also the former partner of the late singer Johnny Hallyday, a relationship that remained a topic of public fascination. In recent years, Baye’s public appearances dwindled, with her last known event being a canceled appearance in July 2025. Her daughter, Laura Smet, had previously dismissed rumors of her hospitalization, emphasizing her family’s privacy.#nathalie_baye #francis_truffaut #jean_luc_godard #bertrand_blier #xavier_dolan
