In the penultimate episode of the second season of Panda (our opinion) titled Meeting the Third Age and broadcast Thursday January 23 on TF1, a face well known to the general public gives the answer to Julien Doré (who had set a condition for this season 2) and Ophélia Kolb. It is about Bernard Menezinterpreter of a certain Roberto, seducer and badminton champion in a village for seniors. For Télé-Loisirs, the actor-singer looks behind the scenes of the filming and his collaboration with the composer of Coco Cuddle, who was not really a stranger to him…
Bernard Menez: “It was Julien Doré who asked me to participate in Panda“
Télé-Loisirs: How did you find yourself in this episode of Panda ?
Bernard Menez : With Julien [Doré]we met on a film by Pascal Thomas, which was called Together, we will experience a very, very great love story, the two main roles of which were played by him and Marina Hands. We met regularly for dinner or breakfast and we hit it off. When he asked me to come join him in an episode of Pandaof course, I accepted.
What was the atmosphere like on set?
Very good, very warm! I had the impression of being totally integrated into the team. We stayed in the same hotel with Julien, Ophélia, Gustave [Kervern] and me. We would sometimes meet up around dinner in the evening. On set, when it came time to play, Julien was very focused on his role. But as soon as it stopped, he immediately returned to his music, which is normal since it’s his passion.
Despite your years of experience, do you still get nervous when joining a new team?
Not really, because it’s not the first time I’ve done it. It happened on the occasion of an ark in Tomorrow belongs to us or for the first episode of Under the sun. Guest roles must be taken as such, without having superiority or inferiority complexes. That’s what I’m going to do soon in a project for TF1 called Paolowhere I will play a mayor, which is all the more justified since I ran for deputy twice in life. Whether on television, in the theater or in the cinema, my constant quest is to act as naturally as possible. Wanting to be comical at all costs is for De Funès, not for me. My model would be more Bourvil.
Bernard Menez (Pandas) : “I would love to play a good recurring character in the series!“
His permanent duality between smile and tears, does that mean something to you?
Absolutely, I won’t hide the fact that if I were offered a nice recurring series character, that would make me happy! A role that would switch between the comic and the tragic, a genre in which I have not often been called upon. Sometimes those in charge of the channels focus on our age and don’t know that we can both look younger physically, while also being alert with our minds.
The episode of Panda in which you appear deals with love among seniors, is this a theme that inspires you?
If it’s treated in a voyeuristic way, it’s not very exciting and it’s not of much interest. I’m also not very passionate about films at the cinema about retirement homes, more mocking than anything else. On the other hand, it is a taboo subject that is changing. People my age who experienced May 68 would like to be able to return to more freedom of expression, in love and elsewhere. We live under a form of censorship and it’s a shame.
You who have just celebrated your 80th birthday, what are the secrets of your youth?
I never took drugs, I smoked a little when I was young to be like everyone else, but very quickly I found that I was “taking advantage” of others too much and that it was damaging me. the teeth. In short, there were more disadvantages than advantages, so I stopped overnight. And, finally, I don’t want to let myself gain weight so I do two hours of tennis every week with friends. Being on stage for so many years is also a good way to stay in shape.
Bernard Menez: “I play King Charles III of England in Les Tuches 5 “
Isn’t your drug gambling after all?
It’s true that I prefer to play rather than remain inactive. As long as I have the head… and the legs, I will continue!
Did you sing along with Julien Doré?
No, I play the piano every day at home, but I couldn’t do what Julien sings. When someone is very good at something, I don’t want to confront them.
Where can we see you in the coming weeks?
I am working on a play and I will be on February 5 in God save the Tuche, directed by Jean-Paul Rouve, the fifth opus in which I play the role of King Charles III of England.
