Jean-Paul Boher is currently investigating Cécilia and Maxime in “Plus belle la vie, even plus belle”. On the occasion of the outcome of this intrigue, AlloCiné met Stéphane Hénon.
In 2007, Stéphane Hénon arrived in Plus belle la vie in the shoes of Jean-Paul Boher, an Alsatian cop with conservative values. Very quickly becoming one of the emblematic characters of the France 3 soap opera, the actor, unsurprisingly, made his comeback on TF1 during the launch of Plus belle la vie, even plus belle.
For several weeks now, Jean-Paul Boher has been investigating Maxime (Renaud Leymans) and Cécilia (Delphine Chanéac), two associates who seem to be hiding many secrets.
As this plot rich in twists and turns prepares to reach its conclusion this Friday, AlloCiné met Stéphane Hénon during the Séries Mania festival which is currently being held in Lille in order to discuss what awaits his character in the coming weeks.
AlloCiné: You have been playing Jean-Paul Boher for over 15 years now. What do you like so much about this character?
Stéphane Hénon : He is a character who has been very spoiled. He went through everything. It’s a great thing for an actor to be able to play so many feelings and things. I still gave birth to a pizza (laughter).
I am very spoiled by the authors. And if I had to choose a role in Plus belle la vie, it would be that of Boher. He is an antihero, who has broken bones and injuries. He is a simple man who experiences extraordinary things. And that’s what I like.
Did you have the impression that Boher’s character had changed between France 3 and TF1, or did the essence of the character remain the same?
No because they tried to keep the DNA of Plus belle la vie. It was important to us. When I was asked to come back, it was important to me that we preserve what made life more beautiful.
I was a little afraid of that. I think everyone was a little scared of that because we were changing the channel. And for us, it was important that we preserve the DNA, that we be close to the public and that we deal with social facts.
It was essential. This is what makes people identify with characters like us who are simple people. I think that’s what makes Plus belle la vie so successful.
Boher is currently at the heart of the investigation into Cécilia and Maxime. Can you tell us a little about this plot? What can we expect from this end of the investigation? Will the public be surprised?
Yes, it will surprise the public but I won’t be able to tell you more. But the most important thing is that it will end well. We all suspect a little: I remain alive (laughter).
Because of her relationship with Maxime, Luna will also be in great danger. Will she also survive this intrigue?
It’s not for me to say, but there’s a chance (laughs). But if I had to bet, I would bet on life.
Can you tell us what awaits Boher in the coming weeks?
There are going to be a lot of investigations since he is a police officer. And then there is also his personal life. He has his two daughters, and there will be things in relation to that, but also in relation to his wife. We will deal with the professional and personal side.
Since the launch of Plus belle la vie, even plus belle, you are present in all the arches thanks to your status as a police officer. Are you going to be at the heart of your own plot soon?
I have no frustration. It’s like that and I let it happen because it happens naturally. I’m delighted with what I’m playing. It doesn’t matter to me to be in the heart of an ark. Being there is part of neighborhood life.
And then it’s everyone’s turn and that’s fine. It allows you not to have stars. It’s the series that’s the star. This is why there is a very good atmosphere, because there is no competition. There are no unhealthy things.
You were talking about the character of Lucie. During the launch of Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle, Boher found himself face to face with a little girl who is gradually starting to become a teenager. Is this something that will be explored more in the coming months?
I can’t say too much but we are currently processing it. I’m currently playing it so I can’t tell you more. Agathe Dodemant who plays her is a great actress so that opens up lots of possibilities.
The actress has also changed between Plus belle la vie and Plus belle la vie even plus belle…
Yes, it was Romane Libert who played the character in Plus belle la vie on France 3. She was already an accomplished actress, she had worked a lot. It’s funny to find yourself facing a young actress who is taking her first steps but who is very instinctive.
There is something magical because she has a childish side, and she has a very natural side. She gives me lessons. There are times when I feel like I’m playing differently with her than with the others. I no longer have my little tics because I’m really with her.
Boher usually works a lot with Patrick. But for this investigation into Cécilia and Maxime, he investigated with Samuel. How does it feel to change partners and work with Inaki Lartigue?
Inaki is a great man but I don’t mind working with Jérôme Bertin who is a friend in life. But Inaki is great. He’s a very good actor and it’s good to play with other people too.
This is the advantage of a series like Plus belle la vie. We never get bored and we don’t fall into a routine. There are always lots of different actors coming in and we play lots of things differently. It’s really very nice.
Do you have any projects you would like to tell us about?
At the moment, Plus belle la vie is taking up a lot of my time. I don’t feel frustrated about it. If someone offers me something that interests me, I will go without hesitation. I was offered something that will probably be for the month of September. It will be a feature film.