Jacques Martin
French TV star, 74 Jacques Martin, 74, the French television personality once married to now-first lady Cecilia Sarkozy, died yesterday of cancer in the southwestern city of Biarritz, where he had been in declining health for several months, according to former colleagues.
French TV star, 74
Jacques Martin, 74, the French television personality once married to now-first lady Cecilia Sarkozy, died yesterday of cancer in the southwestern city of Biarritz, where he had been in declining health for several months, according to former colleagues.
Mr. Martin shot to fame as the host of a series of hit comedy shows on French television, including the satirical Le Petit Rapporteur, a spoof newscast that ran from 1975-76. He also founded a production company, Jacques Martin Productions. A stroke ended his long career in 1998, forcing him to leave his last show, Sous vos applaudissements (With Your Applause).
Mr. Martin fathered eight children with four women. His third wife, Cecilia Ciganer-Albeniz, went on to marry Nicolas Sarkozy and became French first lady when the conservative politician was elected president in May.
In 1984, Nicolas Sarkozy, then mayor of the Paris suburb of Neuilly, officiated at Mr. Martin and Ciganer-Albeniz's wedding. The couple had two daughters, Judith and Jeanne-Marie, before divorcing. The Sarkozys married in 1996.
Born in Lyon on June 22, 1933, Mr. Martin was the grandson of Joannes Ducerf, the French chef who served Russian czar Nicolas II, and he gave full rein to his passion for food later in life.
Mr. Martin is survived by his eight children. - AP