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Pascal Brunner was one of those faces you don’t forget if you grew up in the 90s watching French TV. He was born on October 18, 1963, so you see, he would have been 61 this year. A tall guy, around 1.80 meters, with a smile that sometimes felt fragile beneath his good mood. He left too soon, at 51, in 2015, taken by a damned cancer of the tongue and throat, in a hospital in Nice where he spent his final moments away from the spotlight.
Pascal was a versatile guy. Even before landing on the screen, he had already done quite a bit on the radio — France Inter, Europe 1, RTL. Everywhere, he lent his voice, ready to make people laugh or feel. Then TV came along with “Fa si la chanter,” a musical show that marked the evenings of many French households from 1994 to 2000. Well, he wasn’t just a host, no, he was also an impersonator, actor, someone who lived the stage fully. You know, those guys who seem to have something extra, a real talent for making the moment light.
But behind the smile and cheek, there were quite a few storms. The illness hit him in 2010, and it became a fight every moment. He even took up the pen to tell us all about it — a no-nonsense book, honest, sometimes tough. A way to say to the world: “Hey, life is sometimes a real struggle.” That frankness hits you deep. We also remember his friend Julien Lepers, who announced the terrible news — it was a bit like French TV losing a brother.
Despite his passing, the Pascal Brunner wave still resonates, notably thanks to his shows that take us back to a time when music and good cheer on TV were king. In 2025, when we mention his name, it’s a mix of admiration, nostalgia, but also a harsh reminder of how fragile life can be. So, if you want to truly understand the man behind the screen, stay a little, we’re going to dive in.
Pascal Brunner: a face and a voice that marked French television
Pascal François-Arrigoni by his real name, he wasn’t just any host. This guy was a jack-of-all-trades, a passionate man who managed to carve out a place in radio, then TV, with incredible energy. Actually, “Fa si la chanter” on France 3 was his stage, his playground for 11 seasons! Imagine? More than a decade of making you sing and smile every evening, it shapes someone.
He was a simple guy, even elegant, according to his friend Julien Lepers, who often praised his talents and his ability to do everything: radio, TV, theater, singing. A real stage beast. But if we remember him mostly, it’s for that slightly disarming charm and this way of making music accessible to everyone via public TV.
Before fame: a gradual rise in radio and hosting
Before the camera became his everyday life, Pascal honed his skills on the radio — a real lab, a place where he learned to place his voice, to capture an audience, to play with words. France Inter, Europe 1, RTL: many platforms thoroughly explored, especially on shows like “Rien à cirer” or “Brunner à vif.” So, it was clear even then, this guy had talent. But he was looking for something more, that was obvious.
Then TV came knocking at his door. France 3 trusted him, offered him a format that was a hit, “Fa si la chanter.” A winning bet thanks to his natural style, his humor, his sense of rhythm. Well, it wasn’t won every day, because showbiz is a tough job, sometimes brutal. But Pascal held on.
A career marked by “Fa si la chanter,” emblematic show of the 90s
So, “Fa si la chanter”… For those who remember a bit, it was THE musical evening appointment. The concept? A TV game where the contestants sang, the audience participated, basically, a friendly and light atmosphere. Pascal didn’t just host, he was in it, sharing. He played with words, with emotions, creating that strong bond between people and music.
It’s crazy when we think back, evenings spent in front of the TV, with that show that brought the whole family together. He kept that freshness, that lightness, even when in real life, not everything was rosy. By the way, you can still find some episodes and memories on platforms that bring vintage TV back into the spotlight.
Pascal Brunner, a private life marked by struggle and resilience
Behind the scenes, Pascal’s life wasn’t always a pleasure ride. Covered by illness from 2010, he had to face a tough ordeal: cancer of the tongue and throat. A battle he shared by publishing a testimonial book, “Gloire, galère, cancer: je paye la note,” where he laid himself bare with a heart-wrenching sincerity. Seriously, reading that is a shock — you see another side of the brilliant host.
He fought it with courage, but it wasn’t simple. His years of hardship, his excesses (ah, alcohol…), financial troubles… All that was the hidden side of a man people sometimes just wanted to see festive and funny. His death left a huge void, especially for those who really knew him, like Julien Lepers who said: “Pascal could do everything, he was elegant on stage.”
Details and anecdotes about his last years
- 🎤 Pascal was a contributor to several major radio stations before his TV stint.
- 📚 His book published in 2012 is a unique testimony about his fight against cancer.
- 🤝 His friendship with Julien Lepers, beyond TV, was very strong.
- 🍀 Despite difficulties, he often spoke about his remission before his passing.
- 🏥 He spent his last days at L’Archet hospital in Nice.
Recent projects and legacy of Pascal Brunner in 2025
Of course, Pascal Brunner is no longer here to shoot new shows, but his imprint remains. “Fa si la chanter” continues to resonate in the archives of France 3, and his fight against illness still inspires many people today. As you see, behind every host there is a human who fights, who doubts, but who never forgets to make his audience vibrate.
In 2025, we also remember his time on the radio, his sharp humor, his impersonations, his moments of sincerity. That guy left a bunch of memories, smiles, and even a few tears. So, for all those who want to understand the man behind the image a little better, I highly recommend (re)discovering his story, notably via archives and interviews — it’s really worth it.
Here is an excerpt from his flagship show, a real dive into the era when music and TV mixed with accuracy and tenderness.
In this interview broadcast on France 2, Pascal Brunner speaks openly about his fight against cancer, a poignant and human moment.
Some key facts to remember about Pascal Brunner
- 🎙️ Iconic host of “Fa si la chanter” on France 3 between 1994 and 2000.
- 📻 Radio contributor on France Inter, Europe 1, and RTL.
- 📖 Author of a testimonial book about his illness.
- 💔 Fighter against cancer who passed away at 51.
- 🤝 Loyal friend of Julien Lepers, who never stopped supporting him.
- 🌟 Remembered as a warm, funny, and sincere character.
Who was Pascal Brunner?
A versatile French host, mainly known for his musical show ‘Fa si la chanter’ on France 3, but also a talented radio contributor and actor.
How did Pascal Brunner die?
He died in 2015 from cancer of the tongue and throat, a disease he had begun to fight in 2010.
What was Pascal Brunner’s main success?
His great fame comes from hosting the musical game ‘Fa si la chanter’ on France 3 for eleven seasons, which gathered millions of viewers.
Did he leave a testimony about his illness?
Yes, in 2012 he published an autobiographical book where he recounts his difficult battle against cancer.
What is his relationship with Julien Lepers?
Julien Lepers was a close friend and colleague, the one who announced his death and often spoke of him with affection and respect.
For more details on the life and career of Pascal Brunner, you can consult his Wikipedia page or read several tribute articles like those from France 3 or Gala.
And if you feel like diving even deeper into his story, this PurePeople article also tells about his fight and last years, touching as can be.
