Clémentine Célarié Returns to Paris Stage in New Production of ‘Potiche’
PARIS, 13 February 2026 – The celebrated French actress Clémentine Célarié has made her highly anticipated return to the theatre this week, starring in a revival of the classic comedy Potiche. The production, which opened at the Théâtre Libre on 12 February, marks a significant moment in the 2026 cultural calendar for the capital.
A Triumphant Opening at Théâtre Libre
Directed by a newly assembled creative team, the revival of Barillet and Grédy’s 1980s hit Potiche sees Célarié take on the iconic role of Suzanne Pujol. The play explores themes of gender roles and social liberation with a sharp, satirical edge. Célarié, known for her high-energy performances and versatility, leads a “five-star” cast including Philippe Uchan and Alexie Ribes.
The production is scheduled for a significant run in Paris, with performances confirmed through 30 April 2026. Early rehearsals showcased Célarié’s dedication to the role, with the actress describing her character’s journey from a “trophy wife” (the literal translation of potiche) to a woman of political and social substance.
Emotional Revelations on RTL
Ahead of the premiere, Célarié appeared on the RTL programme Le Journal Inattendu on Saturday, 7 February 2026. During the interview, the actress was visibly moved to tears when producers played an archive recording of her parents. “My father is no longer here,” she remarked, momentarily overwhelmed by emotion before continuing to discuss her career and family life.
Célarié also spoke candidly about her three sons, all of whom are pursuing careers in the arts. She revealed that she continues to provide financial support to them, describing her family management as akin to running a “small business.” Additionally, she used the platform to voice concerns regarding modern education, specifically the lack of “screen education” for today’s youth, which she described as a “very serious” omission in the current system.
Key Career Milestones
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meryem Célarié |
| Birth Date | 12 October 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Dakar, Senegal |
| Notable Films | Betty Blue (1986), Two Is a Family (2016), Pierre & Jeanne (2021) |
| Current Project | Potiche at Théâtre Libre (Paris) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see Clémentine Célarié perform in 2026?
She is currently starring in the play Potiche at the Théâtre Libre in Paris. The production runs from 12 February until 30 April 2026.
What was the significance of her recent RTL interview?
During her appearance on 7 February 2026, Célarié discussed her family life and her late father. The interview gained significant media attention in France due to her emotional reaction to hearing her parents’ voices in an archive clip.
What are some of her most famous roles?
International audiences often recognise her from the 1986 cult classic Betty Blue (37°2 le matin). She is also well-known for her roles in Waiter! and the 2016 hit Two Is a Family (Demain tout commence).