Stéphane Bern broke down this Friday, January 17, during the broadcast of “The Secret Box” on France 3. Faced with Faustine Bollaert, the host spoke with rare authenticity about the disappearance of his brother Armand, who died of skin cancer in August 2022.
An evening rich in emotions and memories for Stéphane Bern
From the start of the show, the Franco-Luxembourgish host sensed the intensity of what awaited him: “I’m not sure I really like surprises, it’s a leap into the unknown”he confided. The discovery of the Manual of National History of Luxembourg by Arthur Herchen, “one of the most important books” for him, preceded a moving musical moment. The interpretation of “Imagine” by John Lennon by mezzo-soprano Axelle Saint-Cirel, accompanied by family images in the background, broke the dams of emotion.
The pain of a bereaved brother
“I owe you a confession though. There is this song, there is this singer, and you put before my eyes the images of my father who left two years ago, of my brother who left last year…”confided Stéphane Bern, overwhelmed by emotion. The host of “Secrets of History” then gave a poignant testimony about his relationship with his older brother: “I admired my brother so much and he gave up on me. It’s the hardest part, sorry sorry.”
Stéphane Bern very moved
Faced with family photos, Stéphane Bern fondly remembered his brother's personality : “In this photo, he is so handsome. He's the brown one, because I was the blond one, obviously with the glasses, I looked less good than him. He was kind enough to make me believe that It didn't matter, he left me the light and stayed in the shadows.”
-The host concluded with a touching reflection on how he lives with the absence of his loved ones: “I live with my Pantheon. I live every day with my parents who have left, with my grandparents, my brother. To all those who have left, they are in me.”
Far-sighted, Stéphane Bern himself has already planned his end of life by organizing his affairs.
Fortunately, the host can count on the love and presence of his companion, Yori Bailleres.
