Death of Nathalie Baye: Laura Smet of exemplary courage during the actresss last days according to a close friend, sad revelations!

Published on April 20, 2026 at 10:41

Nathalie Baye navigated through generations with rare ease, able to switch from one register to another without ever losing accuracy. We saw her share the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio in “Catch Me If You Can,” embody a marked police officer in “The Young Lieutenant,” and play troubled mothers in “Alibi 2.” A career spanning more than five decades, fueled by a recognized talent that extended well beyond borders. The actress even made a notable appearance in the world of “Downton Abbey.” But this exceptional journey was abruptly interrupted. Nathalie Baye passed away on Saturday, April 18, at the age of 77, after battling Lewy body disease. Devastated, her only daughter Laura Smet paid a heartbreaking tribute to her on Instagram just hours after her passing: “Mom. I lost half of my heart, she was the best mother in the world,” she wrote, admitting she was still struggling to believe it.

Laura Smet’s “exemplary courage” in Nathalie Baye’s final days

Very close, Nathalie Baye and Laura Smet shared much more than a mother-daughter bond. The two actresses had appeared together in “The Guardians” in 2017, a poignant film about supportive women during wartime, and reunited in the series “Call My Agent.” These experiences further strengthened their bond. When the actress’s health began to decline, Laura Smet did not hesitate to get closer to her to accompany her daily. Living in Cap Ferret, she had chosen to return to Paris to stay by her side. Up until the end, she showed unwavering commitment. In an interview with Paris Match, Dominique Besnehard, former agent of Nathalie Baye and godfather of Laura Smet, shared that the young woman “showed exemplary courage with her mother in her last days,” adding emotionally, “In eight years, Laura lost both her parents.”

How long did the relationship between Nathalie Baye and Johnny Hallyday last?

The relationship between Nathalie Baye and Johnny Hallyday marked the early 80s. They met on a TV set before officially declaring their love in 1982, forming a couple as unexpected as it was scrutinized by the media. She, a renowned actress, and he, a French rock icon: their duo intrigued and fascinated the public. On November 15, 1983, their daughter Laura sealed their love and changed their lives. Despite this intense story, the couple separated in 1986. However, over the years, they maintained a form of mutual respect and affection. Even today, a last memory of that time remains: their former home in Creuse, abandoned and deeply touching for Nathalie Baye. Following the announcement of her passing, David Hallyday paid tribute to this great actress and expressed his support to his sister Laura.