Comedy actress Marie-Chantal Perron is recognised not only for her dramatic role but also for her ability to make people laugh. Proof of that are her two nominations this year for the Gemini Awards gala to be shown on Sunday, September 9.
(Photo: Martine Doucet)
Marie-Chantal Perron: dramatic yet funny
Lounging on the terrace of downtown’s Hyatt Hotel, comedian Marie-Chantal Perron is all smiles. Rightly so. She just learned that she was nominated twice for the next Gemini Awards gala. One nomination was for her dramatic role in Nos Étés and the second for her humorous portrayal in Histoires de filles.
When asked how she felt about being recognised for both her dramatic and comedy roles, she said it was absolutely an honour, adding that she sort of felt like a “bit player in Quebec’s artistic milieu!”
“I’m really flattered to be nominated twice, especially in two opposing genres. They recognise the work I put in both my dramatic and humorous roles. It’s ‘cool” to be able to work at the same time on two characters that are radically different.”
Isn’t it the dream of all comedians to have the skill to make the audience cry and laugh?
“It’s true that in receiving these two nominations at the same time, it proves that the people in the field have not labelled me in only one genre. My dramatic role encourages the audience to think that I’m not just a funny girl. That’s much better because a person cannot become an artist by playing the same roles all the time. Otherwise, we might as well do something else in life!”
Since her promotion at the l’École nationale de théâtre du Canada in 1989, Marie-Chantal Perron never stopped working. After the adoration of the public eye, she has now earned the recognition of the artistic milieu. “When I started, I simply wanted to know the kind of career I had at the time. My wish today is to have staying power in the artistic arena, that producers and directors will think of me when there are roles to be filled. I’m going to experience much sadness when I shall no longer be able to act.”
Other projects
Our interview with Marie-Chantal was interrupted a few times by the other comedians who were around congratulating her for the Gemini Award nominations. “Look at these people. I’m delighted to be among the rest of that gang, all these super actors we have in Quebec. I hope it never ends.”
Nothing seems to indicate that will be the case, at least in the short term; other than Histoires de filles scheduled for next year, the comedian will be acting with Patrice Godin and Alain Zouvi in a new television dramatic series, Destinées, to be broadcast in the Fall. Moreover, for the second consecutive year, she will be the moderator the travel series 50 heures de vacances. Not to mention her potential participation in the theatre next winter.
“I see the theatre as the artist’s gym. That’s where you train, sweat it out and put yourself to the test. It’s different from television, but I like it just as much. What can I tell you? I love my profession. As long as the role is a good one, I’m going to continue to participate and that will give me a lot of pleasure. That’s what a comedian is being about.”
(Photo: Martine Doucet)
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