Renowned French Journalist and TV Host Bernard Pivot Passes Away at 89

Bernard Pivot, the former president of the Académie Goncourt, has passed away at the age of 89 in Neuilly-sur-Seine. The renowned French author and TV host had been battling cancer for several months.

Best known for his iconic show Apostrophes, where he presented a wide array of literary figures and engaged in lively discussions about books, Pivot also hosted Bouillon de culture and organized the Dicos d’or, a famous orthography championship.

His career highlight, Apostrophes debuted in 1975 and captivated audiences with its blend of intellectual conversations and entertainment.

Throughout its airing, guests such as Francois Cavanna, Charles Bukowski, Alexandre Soljenitsyne, Marguerite Duras, and many others graced the show, contributing to its immense popularity.

On the show, Pivot’s wit shone through as he engaged his guests with the famous Pivot Questionnaire, inspired by Marcel Proust’s questionnaire.

Following the end of Apostrophes in 1990, Pivot continued to make cultural contributions through Bouillon de culture and remained a prominent figure in the French literary scene.

Born in Lyon in 1935, Pivot’s journey from a journalist at Figaro littéraire to a celebrated TV host has left a lasting impact on French culture and literature.