Stéphane Jacques: no question of missing Bobino

The children of the 1970s were spoiled by the youth television offer. They were able to watch fragmented productions with characters who were just as fragmented. The actor Stéphane Jacques is well aware of the privilege he had of being able to rub shoulders with stars like Bobino, Sol and Goblet or Major Plum Pudding. As he puts it so well, he and his sister were entitled to “great art”.

Stéphane, what youth programs have marked you?

I was a kid in the 1970s, so for me, it’s like the golden age of kids’ shows. Radio-Canada was a pioneer. We were entitled to Bobino, Sol et Gobelet, La Ribouldingue, The Major Plum Pudding… Programs with total creative freedom.

What are your fondest childhood TV memories?

On Saturday mornings, my sister and I got up before everyone else and we were allowed to stay in our pajamas and watch cartoons all morning.

Did you watch a lot of TV when you were young?

Not too. We played a lot more away than today, but we never missed Bobino back from school.

Is there a character who influenced you?

Ground in Sol and Goblet. A naive clown beautifully interpreted by Marc Favreau with whom I had the chance to work at the start of my career. I liked his naive and blundering side imbued with poetry, great art.

Is there still a song from a show that sticks in your mind?

The theme song of Grendizer. We did not skimp on quality at that time. Great composers were hired for the musical themes.

Is there a character you would have liked to play for children?

The character of Paillasson played by Jean-Louis Millette in The Ribouldingue. He was an always happy clown and I would have liked to taste the famous chocolate potatoes.

What universe would you like the children to discover?

It would be fun to have a children’s show that would take place on a farm, with all the talking animals.

What do you think of today’s youth TV?

Obviously, we can no longer do 1970s TV… The loss of freedom of creators, supervised today by psychologists, gives more polished, wiser programs and I find that it lacks a bit of madness. That said, our TV continues to offer high quality children’s programming.

♦ Stéphane Jacques currently lends his features to Philippe in the series Anna and Arnaud broadcast Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on TVA.