The French seventh art in mourning. This Friday, April 24, 2026, saw the funeral of Nathalie Baye at the Saint-Sulpice church, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, exactly one week after the tragic death of the 77-year-old actress, from complications related to Lewy body disease. The public ceremony welcomed around 400 guests according to Europe 1, with a procession of public figures seen arriving to pay their final respects to Laura Smet’s mother.
Claire Chazal, Michel Drucker, Benjamin Biolay, Eddy Mitchell, David Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, Josiane Balasko, Marilou Berry, Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant, Brigitte Macron, and Jack Lang were among those spotted entering the church, as reported by BFMTV. Emotions ran high as onlookers and photographers witnessed the white coffin of the actress, known for her role alongside Leonardo Di Caprio in the movie “Catch Me If You Can,” followed by the procession of the deceased’s loved ones in tears, led by David Hallyday’s half-sister.
Laura Smet greets the crowd at Nathalie Baye’s funeral. The 42-year-old actress, bidding farewell to her mother nine years after the funeral of her father Johnny Hallyday, took the time to acknowledge the numerous attendees who came to pay their respects to the legendary actress. Broadcast live on BFMTV, the images of Laura Smet greeting the crowd demonstrate Nathalie Baye’s immense popularity among the French public, as well as the humility of her daughter who chose to share this moment with the fans, reminiscent of her gesture at Johnny Hallyday’s funeral in 2017.
Laura Smet delivers an emotional speech at Nathalie Baye’s funeral. The day was undoubtedly filled with emotions for Laura Smet, who, moments before interacting with the crowd, shared touching words about her mother. “I am here today for my mother, even though for me, all this feels so unreal,” she stated, as reported by Gala. She described her mother as someone genuine, tender, fair, and strong, who always cared more about others than herself. She highlighted the love, strength, and support her mother provided, emphasizing her incredible friendship, eternal love, and fantastic motherhood. These words shed light on the deep sorrow Laura Smet must be feeling on this unique day.
