Bernadette Chirac, French political icon and former first lady, dies at 93

Bernadette Chirac, a towering figure in French politics and a pop culture icon, has died at the age of 93. Known for her distinctive blonde bouffant, Chanel suits, and an austere yet sharp demeanor, she was often affectionately called "Bernie" by those close to her.

Her life was the subject of a 2023 biopic, "Bernadette," directed by Léa Domenach and starring Catherine Deneuve. Despite initial reservations from the Chirac family, the film aimed to capture the colorful and dramatic trajectory of the former first lady's life. Journalist Erwan l'Eléouet, who authored a book on Chirac, noted the inherent comedic strength in her character, recalling her sharp wit, such as a comment directed at Marie-France Garaud: "She took me for a complete fool. Her mistake was not being wary enough of me. One is never wary enough of good women."

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She took me for a complete fool. Her mistake was not being wary enough of me. One is never wary enough of good women.

L'Éléouet found Deneuve a fitting choice to portray Chirac, citing the actress's charisma and versatility. "Deneuve has an all-terrain quality; she can play drama, but she's also the woman from Potiche. She is classic and rock'n'roll at the same time, like Madame Chirac," he said. He also highlighted Chirac's own humor, even in difficult moments, referencing a "Quotidien" scene where she humorously reacted to discovering her husband, Jacques Chirac, flirting with a socialist deputy.

Comparisons have been drawn between Chirac and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, particularly after a photograph surfaced showing both women dressed in white. L'Éléouet observed that both figures seemed to embody a sense of lineage, representing their respective spheres, Chirac from high bourgeoisie and the Queen from nobility, while upholding a certain public image.

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Deneuve has an all-terrain quality; she can play drama, but she's also the woman from Potiche. She is classic and rock'n'roll at the same time, like Madame Chirac.