To mark the 60th anniversary of the career of the most famous announcer on the French small screen, the Melody channel is devoting a special week to her, made up of three event evenings, including A Peach of Hell, Tuesday February 27 at 9 p.m.
How do you feel as you celebrate the 60th anniversary of your television debut?
Denise Fabre: It makes me very happy, because these were very beautiful years and they evoke many happy memories for me. When I started, I was only 19 years old (she is 81 today, editor’s note) and my head was full of dreams…
Is it common for people you meet to talk about the tandem you formed with Garcimore in So stay with us on Saturdayand your shared giggles?
Of course. In particular, there are countless men of a certain age who come up to me in the street to tell me that they watched us when they were little, with their mother or grandmother. They are TV kids who grew up with me. And if it appealed to all generations, I believe it was because there was no violence or contempt in what we did.
Even though you have now chosen to prioritize your family, do you still maintain connections in the world of television?
When I was doing TV, when I wasn’t on set, I didn’t go out much. I took care of my daughters and made the most of my mother. I haven’t changed, but I obviously stay in touch with Michel Drucker, who is the godfather of one of my daughters, and Évelyne Dhéliat who is the godmother of the other.
What mother are you to them and what grandmother to your grandchildren?
I am very proud of Élodie and Olivia. I could never have dreamed of having such wonderful daughters. I am also very happy with the men they chose. And I have four grandchildren that I spend a lot of time with. We are very united. Today, I am making up for it, because I have given a lot to my profession.
For forty-five years you have been enjoying the perfect love affair with Francis Vandenhende (ex-head chef of The Saint-Simon Farm, in Paris). What is the secret to your relationship’s longevity?
My husband comes from a very close-knit family, with parents who went so far as to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary. As for me, my mother and father separated when I was little, when I was only 10 years old. I lived with my mom and she protected me a lot. So I think I needed to recreate a cocoon with him.