The French actress Nathalie Baye mourned by her loved ones

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the family of Nathalie Baye announced the passing of the French actress through a statement sent to AFP. She passed away “on Friday evening at her Parisian home from Lewy body disease.”

Following her death, many figures from the French cinema industry paid tribute to the actress. Her funeral took place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris. Laura Smet, deeply moved, delivered a touching speech in memory of her mother.

Laura Smet’s heartfelt words

“My mother was someone true, tender, fair, solid,” said Nathalie Baye and Johnny Hallyday’s daughter, as reported by AFP. She always cared for others more than herself. She was curious about everything, everyone. She loved life, people, nature, and animals.”

Laura Smet, supported by her brother-in-law David Hallyday and his mother Sylvie Vartan, spoke about the times when her mother was there for her during difficult moments in her life. “She gave me so much love, so much strength. She lifted me up when I was down, me and many others. She was an incredible friend, an eternal lover, and a fabulous mother.”

The actress also described her mother’s personality. “She loved talent, also discipline. Discipline reassured her. And simple things were her luxury. Silence was her friend. She didn’t know boredom. Even in solitude, she had made it an ally. (…) I will always remember her voice and her hand in my hair, of her singing while cooking, of her genuine gaze, of her breath that brought me so much peace.”

To conclude: “From my birth until today, I owe her everything. I know she has found the love of the people she loved and will continue to wink at us, each one of us, forever and ever.”

Nathalie Baye, “the other half” of Laura Smet’s heart

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the day after Nathalie Baye’s death, Laura Smet posted an old photo of herself, very young, next to her mother on Instagram. “I lost half of my heart,” she wrote in the caption. “She was the best mother in the world. I’m sending these words without really believing it yet.”

The actress then thanked those who sent her messages of support. “I wanted to thank you for all your testimonials and words that touch me immensely.” “I love her so much,” she concluded about Nathalie Baye, urging internet users to take care of their loved ones.

From Jean Dujardin to Marina Foïs, as well as David Hallyday and Sylvie Vartan, many personalities paid tribute to Nathalie Baye in the days following her passing.