In the year 2026, which has been marked by many losses, Nathalie Baye unfortunately joined this dark series. The actress passed away at the age of 77 due to Lewy body disease (MCL). It has been a tough time for her only daughter Laura Smet, who had already lost her father Johnny Hallyday. During her final years, Nathalie Baye received unwavering support from her daughter, who stood by her side through the illness.
“Nathalie was very strong. And you know, I feel like this strength, this composure that Nathalie had, passed on to Laura. She was truly remarkable, Laura. She made sure Nathalie stayed home until the end. She protected her mother a lot. I believe that when you lose the people you love so much, what you saw in them lives on in you,” said director Bruno Chiche in an interview with Paris Match.
Laura Smet has two godfathers: one chosen by Nathalie Baye and one chosen by Johnny Hallyday, as confirmed by Dominique Besnehard, Nathalie Baye’s agent. “I think of Laura, her daughter, of whom I am the godfather. She showed exemplary courage with her mother in her last days. In eight years, Laura has lost both her parents,” he said in Paris Match. Contrary to tradition, Laura Smet has not one but two godfathers. The first chosen by her mother, and the second, chosen by Johnny Hallyday, is none other than Eddy Mitchell. The 83-year-old singer, whose real name is Claude Moine, was very close to Johnny Hallyday. He also supported Laura and defended her during the inheritance controversy. Despite keeping a low profile recently, Eddy Mitchell did attend Nathalie Baye’s funeral with his wife Muriel. His discreet presence did not go unnoticed.
Recently, Voici magazine revealed exclusively why Laeticia Hallyday did not react to Nathalie Baye’s passing. “Laeticia considered that it would have been poorly received by Johnny’s daughter if she had spoken publicly,” a source told Voici. This was a sign of respect to avoid upsetting Laura Smet, with whom the relationship has been strained since Johnny Hallyday’s passing and the legal battle over his inheritance.
