The death of Philippe Bouvard , who passed away this Monday at the age of 96, has prompted a major change in RTL's programming. The station, for which the journalist and presenter was a key figure for nearly six decades, is implementing a special program starting this Monday, which will continue Tuesday evening with a major event hosted by Vincent Perrot. Archives, testimonials, listener reminiscences, guests, and special programs will follow one another to retrace the career of the man who will forever be inextricably linked to "Les Grosses Têtes ," which he created in 1977 and hosted for 37 years.
RTL opens its airwaves to listeners' memories
Starting this Monday, RTL is adapting its programming. From 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, " Les Auditeurs ont la parole" (Listeners Have Their Say ), hosted by Amandine Bégot, will feature a large segment dedicated to personal stories. Listeners are invited to share their memories of Philippe Bouvard and what the radio host meant to them over the decades. The tribute continues from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM on "Les Grosses Têtes" (The Big Heads ). Laurent Ruquier, who succeeded Philippe Bouvard as host of the show in 2014, will welcome guests including Gérard Jugnot, JeanFi Janssens, Karina Marimon, Franck Ferrand, Michèle Bernier, and Arielle Dombasle. Anecdotes and archival footage will allow listeners to revisit the show's heyday and the personality of its creator.
Tuesday evening, Vincent Perrot will be hosting a special program.
RTL will extend its coverage on Tuesday, August 25th, with an evening entirely dedicated to Philippe Bouvard and presented by Vincent Perrot. From 20 pm to 21 pm, "Le Grand Récit" will revisit his life and career with André Dussollier and Isabelle Choquet. Starting at 21 pm, Vincent Perrot will continue the tribute with guests, anecdotes, archival footage, and new testimonials from listeners. The station is also launching a special online feature including reports, interviews, and replays dedicated to Philippe Bouvard. A digital radio station, RTL Radio Bouvard, will allow listeners to relive some of the best moments from "Les Grosses Têtes ."
Two new podcasts dedicated to Philippe Bouvard
Two special productions complete the program. In *Bouvard by Bouvard* , Philippe Bouvard recounts his own career through a sound self-portrait created by Laurent Marsick. The documentary runs for 50 minutes. A second program, *Bouvard, the Journey of a Journalist* , traces his professional life before *Les Grosses Têtes * in three episodes , reminding listeners that his career was not limited to the show that made him famous among several generations of listeners.
Nearly six decades of shared history with RTL
Philippe Bouvard joined RTL in 1966. A journalist who had worked for publications including Le Figaro , France-Soir , Paris Match , L'Express , and Le Point , he gradually became one of the station's most recognizable faces and voices. His time with RTL spanned 58 seasons, a record for a presenter on a single radio station. But it was primarily with Les Grosses Têtes that his name became firmly established in French popular culture. Created in 1977, the show brought together comedians, actors, singers, and other personalities to answer questions while sharing jokes, anecdotes, and witty repartee. Philippe Bouvard quickly established a distinctive style, blending general knowledge, humor, and a touch of provocation.
The Big Headsa lifetime's work
For 37 years, Philippe Bouvard hosted Les Grosses Têtes , helping to establish or popularize numerous personalities. Jacques Balutin, Philippe Castelli, Jean Yanne, Jacques Martin, Sim, Jean-Jacques Peroni, Bernard Mabille, Chantal Ladesou, Muriel Robin, and Laurent Baffie are among the many regular panelists who contributed to the show's history. The program became one of the most influential shows on French radio. Philippe Bouvard finally stepped down in 2014, and Laurent Ruquier succeeded him. His departure marked the end of an era after more than three decades spent daily at the microphone.
A career also marked by television and theatre
Philippe Bouvard also held a prominent position on television. From 1982, he presented "Le Théâtre de Bouvard" on Antenne 2, a show that became a veritable training ground for young comedians. The program notably launched or supported the early careers of Les Inconnus, Chevallier and Laspalès, Bruno Gaccio, Mimie Mathy, Muriel Robin, and Chantal Ladesou. At the height of its success, the show attracted several million viewers. A passionate theater enthusiast, Philippe Bouvard also managed the Bobino music hall from 1999 to 2006. Author of numerous books and a prolific columnist, he thus worked across print media, radio, television, and live performance. With his passing at the age of 96, RTL loses one of the personalities who most profoundly shaped its identity. The station is now dedicating two days of airtime to the man who accompanied its listeners for nearly 60 years.
