“He had called up in control”: Claire Chazal Reveals Yves Montand‘s Pursuit Shortly After Her TF1 Debut
Claire Chazal, the former face of TF1’s evening news, recounted a surprising early encounter with screen icon yves Montand, revealing the actor actively sought her out just months after she joined the network in 1991. The anecdote surfaced on the Novo19 program, September 29, coinciding with the release of I Who Loved You, a film depicting Montand’s relationship with Simone Signoret.
Chazal detailed how Montand, known for his commanding presence, made a rare direct call to the TF1 control room, inquiring, “But who is this little one?” – a reference to the newly-arrived journalist. This revelation offers a glimpse into the actor’s personal life and highlights Chazal’s immediate impact on French television.While she never actually met Montand, the incident underscores the star power of both figures and provides a unique outlook on a moment in television history.
According to Chazal, Montand’s interest manifested as a “first step,” despite his reputation for dominating those around him. “Two months before, he had called up in control…since I arrived and as he dragon absolutely everyone, he had made a kind of first step,” she explained. The situation was met with amusement by those at TF1. “We had still passed over but it made us laugh also,” Chazal recalled.
The story emerged as Chazal reflected on her experience announcing Montand’s death on live television 34 years ago, a moment she described as requiring a festivity of “The committed man, the man in love, the singer and actor.” Despite Montand’s pursuit, Chazal stated she “have never seen him and never met” the actor.