“I envy those who have faith”
Passionate journalist, a singular filmmaker, lyricist of Johnny Hallyday, author of around twenty books, Philippe Labro died on June 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
Originally from Montauban, passionate about the oval ball, the young man leaves at 18 for the United States, on the Queen Mary, And crosses the Stop States, before studying. Upon his return, he walked the editors to become a reporter, quickly becoming a media star: at Europe 1, on the ORTF for five columns at the UN (1960-64), in France evening (1969-1972), then to RTL as director of the program from 1985 to 2000.
His love for America nourishes many of his works, such as The foreign student (1986), highly autobiographical, interallied price, One summer in the west (2013) or We shot the president (2013), on the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Dallas, where he worked as a journalist. Its main texts on America are grouped in American writings (Quarto, 2023). Breaking the taboo on psychic disease, he had not hesitated either to evoke his depression in TOmbre seven times, get up eight (2003).
It is a great witness of the 20th century that leaves us, father of four children whom he loved tenderly, grandfather and happy man, with energy and overflowing culture.
Rediscover our interview, carried out in 2028, with this emblematic voice of the French media.
A good reason to get up every morning?
The life. I know that time is counted to me, so I take advantage of it.
What makes you better?
Empathy, benevolence.
What would you like to change in you?
Try to be less egotic. It is the big way of the writer …
What is your hidden talent?
Unlike the image people have of me, I can be quite funny.
With a magic wand, what dream would you realize?
I would like to re -enchant France, bring it out of resignation.
You have a five-minute appointment with Pope Francis. What subject do you address?
I ask him how to resist the power of conservatism within the Church.
You meet God in real life. What would you like him to tell you?
“You see, you were wrong: I exist. »»
“Pray” rhymes with …
Meditate. I have admiration and envy for those who pray and have faith.
What is left of the child you were?
Curiosity, the taste for adventure and even a certain naivety.
The last time you laughed?
By making faces to my grandson, Joseph, 6 and a half.
The last time you cried?
In front of images of Syrian children.
Your remedy for depression?
Walk in the sun.
A gesture of love?
Really put yourself in place of the other.
What fault do you easily forgive?
All. “You will not judge” is the rule of life that my father taught me.
What makes you angry?
Lying, imposture.
What scares you?
Social networks that often convey human stupidity and false things.
If you had to exercise another job?
I would be conductor or adventurer of the American West.
Your cult film?
The Shadow Army, by Jean-Pierre Melville. The latter was my friend.
The music that makes you vibrate?
That of Frédéric Chopin, who reminds me of my Slavic origins.
Your motto?
An Indian proverb that I made mine: “Everything that is not given is lost. »»
Your favorite word?
River, because it contains the word “life”.
The word you hate?
Manicheism.
Your everyday hero?
The nurse, the nursing assistant, symbols of dedication and altruism.
Your favorite Bible character?
Saint John the Evangelist.
