BERNARD MONTIEL

Bernard Montiel

French TV Host & Actor.

Bernard Montiel.

Dear Bernard, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. The French public first got to know you on television in the early 1990s through some shows that made you very popular. How do you look back on that period of your life?

I started out in 1985 on FR3 Aquitaine with a film magazine show. I was then spotted by the national network and joined TF1 just as it was being privatised. I presented the first behind-the-scenes TV magazine show, and then everything happened very quickly. I presented La Une est à Vous, a live show featuring a selection of TV series, which aired every Saturday afternoon. It’s true that Video Gag was a huge boost, drawing around 12 million viewers. Other successes included the Hollywood Oscars, La Famille en Or, Surprises sur Prise, and more. It’s a far cry from my first job as an enforcement officer!

You create TV projects and radio shows, and act in TV series. Which of these highly complementary activities gives you the greatest sense of freedom and allows you to be the truest version of yourself?

Live broadcasts — without a doubt, TV and radio!

As an actor, you’re given a script, so there’s no freedom. On TV, however, there’s a framework like La Famille en Or, which allows for some spontaneity — as long as you keep the mood light and remain kind.

The public sees you as a friendly and empathetic person who is a friend to many well-known figures of all ages, yet you remain very approachable. What’s your secret?

Loyalty!

I’ve never betrayed the trust of the artists I work with, such as Mylène Farmer, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Francis Cabrel and Pascal Obispo. Younger artists like Julien Doré, Clara Luciani and Christophe Maé also see me as a “Michel Drucker” — a man they can trust.

Having listened to your radio show on RFM on Sundays, I’ve noticed how thoroughly you prepare for your interviews and how attentively you listen to your guests. Is that the secret to your long-term success in a profession where you have to constantly reinvent yourself?

The secret? It’s simply a lot of hard work: finding what resonates with both the listener and the artist, and adding that extra something to make the interview feel like a conversation among friends without excluding the listener.

I pay very close attention to their answers so that I can build on them and “dig a little deeper”.

Which of the beautiful objects you have discovered throughout your career still evokes the same emotion in you today as it did on the first day you saw it?

Porsche 911s and watches: a passion for both!

I’m fascinated by watches — they blend art, precision and elegance in an incredible way. They’re so much more than just an accessory — they’re a keepsake that continues to tick as time goes by.

Do you choose a watch based on your mood, outfit or the occasion?

It depends on my mood, what I’m wearing — whether it’s casual or formal — the occasion and sometimes the location.

In an age of ever-increasing speed, is wearing a beautiful mechanical watch a way to slow down and resist constant acceleration?

I rarely check the time on my watch, dare I tell you? It must be because I’m getting old!

Imagine you had to choose just one watch to wear for the next twenty years. Would you prioritise emotion, the brand’s history, technological features or aesthetic design?

Emotion is essential! Emotions are all that matter.

You have met prominent figures from all over the world. Which one made the biggest impression on you?

There was Clint Eastwood’s great kindness, Sharon Stone’s natural beauty, and the talent of Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand and Charles Aznavour.

Not to mention Sinatra arguing with our Régine!

Bernard Montiel with his friends

You’re known for your natural elegance. What, in your opinion, sets true style apart from fleeting trends?

Thanks for the “natural elegance” – I’m not so sure about that!

True style? Discretion; standing out through discretion if you so choose; trying to shine with your wit instead of your clothes.

I don’t like visible brands — I’m never trendy.

You’ve travelled extensively. Is there a city where you can truly sense a culture of elegance and good manners?

Yes, Rome! Everything is elegant: the Romans, the historic places, the painters, the fabrics, the cuisine… the list goes on!

In your line of work, image is everything. Do you think details such as a watch, a pair of shoes or perfume say more about a person than they do?

Most certainly.

I believe that fame should inspire humility and discretion.

What would you say is your greatest luxury today? Is it silence, freedom, time, travel, or something else?

Taking the time to choose solitude and reflect on life.

Has your relationship with time changed over the years? What do you think is truly worth spending time on today?

Caring for others.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given that has stood the test of time?

Act with dignity and stand by what you say — or keep quiet!

You’ve been a familiar face on screen and on the airwaves for many years. Without giving anything away, do you have any new projects planned for autumn?

Yes, I host the TV show Samedi d’en Rire (a programme featuring songs, comedy and films from the TV archives) every Saturday afternoon on France 3.

I also present Les Enfants de la TV on Sunday evenings on France 2 alongside my friend Faustine Bollaert, right before the 8 p.m. news.

What message would you like readers to take away from this interview about time, passions and the joy of living when they have finished reading it?

Live your life with passion and love.

Choose to share rather than reject or hate, and try to be as tolerant as possible.

Accept others for who they are.

Above all, LOVE, LIVE and CARPE DIEM!

Thank you Bernard.