Navarro’s Iconic Creator, Tito Topin, Dies at 93
PARIS, FRANCE – Tito Topin, the prolific writer and screenwriter best known as the creator of the hugely popular French detective series Navarro, has died at the age of 93. Topin passed away peacefully in Avignon, surrounded by his books, his wife confirmed to Agence France-Presse.His death marks the end of an era for French television crime fiction, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary series and authors.
While Navarro, starring Roger hanin as the gruff but compassionate Commissioner, cemented Topin’s fame, his career spanned decades and encompassed a remarkable range of creative endeavors. Before television, literature was his first passion, and he authored over 50 books including detective novels, children’s adventures, essays, and autobiographical works. His 1989 novel, A big need for love, earned him the prestigious grand Prize for Crime Literature, lauded for its psychological depth and exploration of human flaws. Other notable publications include Shanghai Express (1978) and The Time of Farewells (1995).
Topin’s versatility extended beyond novels and the Navarro universe. He penned scripts for other television series,including the spin-off Mademoiselle Navarro focusing on the commissioner’s daughter,and the Marc Eliot fictions. A fruitful collaboration with actor and director Jean Yanne resulted in the satirical comic series BIDE Files, showcasing his ability to blend black humor with social critique. He also contributed scripts to detective TV films,adapted dark novels for television,and provided creative advice on TF1 productions throughout the 1980s and 90s.
Influenced by American masters like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, Topin successfully adapted their style to a distinctly French sensibility. His impact is visible in modern series like gears and Braquo, which echo his gritty realism, and among contemporary thriller authors who cite Navarro as a key inspiration.
Roger Hanin, who died in 2015, frequently acknowledged Topin’s pivotal role in the series’ success, stating, “Without Tito, no Navarro. He was the brain behind the heart of the commissioner.”
News of Topin’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes. TF1 broadcast a special remembrance,while fellow screenwriters from the Association of Thriller Authors hailed him as ”a pioneer of the genre.” Social media platforms saw fans sharing clips from Navarro, demonstrating the enduring appeal of his work and the deep connection the French public held with this “discreet but essential figure of popular culture.”
