France’s most emblematic presenter, Michel Drucker, with his sixty years of career, remains a singular figure in the French audiovisual landscape. Respected by all, he welcomed the most illustrious personalities on his famous red sofa. However, at 82 years oldthe journalist’s health is weakening. A reality which was brutally reminded to him at the start of 2023. In fact, three years after his last heart problems, he had to undergo a new operation. Guest on the set of C to you this Tuesday, January 2, he briefly mentioned this “journey”.
“On August 27, you made your comeback on the air after a second heart operation […]”, begins Anne-Élisabeth Lemoine, adding: “You have a longevity that…”, “Which surprises even me!” exclaims Michel Drucker, cutting her off, before continuing: “It will do 60 years in 2024. I was a trainee at the 1964 Olympic Games and so with the 2024 games it will be 60 years. I don’t believe it myself, especially after this hospital journey from which I thought I would never return.“ That’s almost all we’ll get from this host, as well known for his shows as for his discretion !
An obstacle course
It is in February 2023 that the life of Michel Drucker almost fell over. Hospitalized to undergo a battery of tests, the host initially hoped to return to the air in April. However, a new cardiac intervention end of March postponed his return. In an interview given to TV Magazine last August, a few days before his return to the air, he shared: “I learned, fortunately later, that the doctors considered that I had about a 20% chance of recovering.” Before adding: “JI experienced very difficult times, particularly in intensive care. I had lost all my muscles, and I didn’t want to look in the mirror for fear of seeing the face of a ghost.” Throughout his fight, he benefited from the constant support from the management of France Télévisions, who doesn’t have it “never let go”, as he pointed out again on the show It’s up to you.
Article written in collaboration with 6Médias.
Photo credits: Screenshot France 5