A Fond Farewell to Herby Moreau
In a world where the red carpet is often rolled out for the glamorous and the famous, the recent passing of Herby Moreau at the tender age of 56 has left a palpable void in the hearts of his colleagues. Social media has transformed into an arena of heartfelt tributes from fellow presenters, each sharing snippets of cherished memories that not only celebrate his life but also marvel at the impact he had on Quebec’s cultural television landscape. It’s a bittersweet reminder that while he may no longer walk those carpets, his legacy certainly will.
Former colleague Anouk Meunier opens our emotional floodgates, recounting her first red carpet experience alongside Herby: “My first red carpet in animation… My first trip to Los Angeles… Our shopping trip to ‘Pretty Woman’ on Hollywood Boulevard… Laughs and moments I will never forget thanks to you, dear Herby… Thank you for everything.” She captures the essence of what it means to truly connect with someone in the whirlwind of showbiz. It’s much like receiving the last slice of pizza at a party—you know it’s special, and you want to soak in every bite!
“Cultural television in Quebec in the 2000s would have been much duller without him!”
– Anne-Marie Withenshaw
Anne-Marie Withenshaw then adds a splash of competitive nostalgia, recalling their days filled with glamour and rivalry: “He drank in the latest news, in exclusivity, but at the same time, pushed his colleagues to surpass themselves.” It’s intriguing to think that behind the glitzy façade of celebrity gossip is a camaraderie that thrives amid competition. Imagine a game of tug-of-war where everyone is trying to outshine each other, yet everyone is still in on the joke!
Sébastien Benoît couldn’t resist a cheeky nod, winking at their shared moments on social media, assuring that the red carpet awaiting Moreau on the other side is garishly sparkling. Because why wouldn’t the afterlife come with better lighting, right? I mean, if you’re going to leave us, at least make sure the spotlight follows you! Meanwhile, Isabelle Racicot reminisces about Herby being “the prince of red carpets,” a title she clearly holds in high esteem, but is anyone else picturing Herby in a royal cape, striking poses like a runway model? Once you’ve been a carpet prince, do you get to retire to a castle made of sequins? If so, I want an invite to that grand opening!
Patrick Marsolais serenaded us with nostalgia through a post featuring a Tina Turner classic. You can picture it now, a moment of collective emotional release as everyone recalls those vibrant days splashed across billboards, each magnetic personality contributing to a moment in time.
Finally, in the world of ephemeral posts, Patricia Paquin took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, posting advertisements of Flash, the show where they forged their professional friendship. It’s kind of like seeing your high school yearbook photo and thinking, “What on earth was I wearing?” Here’s hoping the afterlife comes with a stylist because I’m definitely ready for a glow-up.
In a fittingly cheeky end to a lament that’s filled with love and laughter, it’s hard not to wonder: if Herby could see us now, what would he say? Perhaps something as simple as, “Keep living life like it’s a never-ending red carpet event!” Because even when the lights dim, the laughter and memories shared will keep his spirit glowing like neon in the dark.
So raise a glass, throw on that sequinned outfit, and let’s keep the sparkle alive in honor of a man who turned the mundane into the memorable. Here’s to you, Herby! 🥂
Numerous former colleagues of the beloved host Herby Moreau have taken to social media platforms to express their heartfelt tributes, highlighting the profound impact he had on their lives and careers. Among the presenters reminiscing about their time with him are notable personalities such as Anouk Meunier, Anne-Marie Withenshaw, Sébastien Benoît, and Isabelle Racicot.
• Also read: Death of Herby Moreau: “He allowed me to say to myself: I too can do it,” reflects journalist of Haitian descent Anne-Lovely Etienne
• Also read: Host Herby Moreau dies at 56
“My inaugural experience on the red carpet… My first trip to the glitzy streets of Los Angeles… Our unforgettable shopping adventure reminiscent of ‘Pretty Woman’ along Hollywood Boulevard… Laughter and cherished moments I will carry with me forever, all thanks to you, dear Herby… I am eternally grateful for everything,” shared host Anouk Meunier as she reflected on their treasured memories.
The talented host Anne-Marie Withenshaw penned a touching and lengthy homage to Herby Moreau, describing him as “a colleague, a cherished friend, and at times, a spirited rival.” She elaborated, “He had an insatiable thirst for the latest news and exclusive content, while simultaneously motivating his colleagues to achieve greatness. The vibrant cultural television landscape in Quebec during the 2000s would have surely been far more monochrome if not for him! Herby occupies a significant space in almost all my memories from landmark events of that era—from the star-studded Cannes Film Festival to the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the scintillating Oscars and Golden Globes to our final co-hosting at Gala Québec Cinéma. We were fortunate to share an abundance of unforgettable experiences together,” she reminisced.
The esteemed host Sébastien Benoît made a playful nod to his former colleague Flash on Instagram, expressing his belief that the red carpet is unfurled for him wherever his spirit roams.
On Instagram, Isabelle Racicot warmly shared a collection of photos featuring herself alongside Herby Moreau, stating: “You embodied the essence of the red carpet, crafting selfies long before the trend became ubiquitous, and you had a remarkable gift for narrating stories through your keen reporting. Your timing was impeccable—always present at the perfect moment to capture ‘the moment.’ I appreciate all the invaluable advice you bestowed upon me over the years, as well as the phrase, ‘It puts your glam back in the right place.’”
The radio host Patrick Marsolais commemorated Herby with a nostalgic photo paired with the uplifting melody of Tina Turner’s anthem The Best.
Patricia Paquin shared on her temporary Instagram feed a photo showcasing the advertisement for the show Flash, which she hosted and for which Herby Moreau served as a dedicated journalist.
A Fond Farewell to Herby Moreau: An Interview with Anouk Meunier
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Anouk. It’s a challenging time for everyone who knew Herby Moreau. How are you feeling as you reflect on your time with him?
**Anouk Meunier:** Thank you for having me. Honestly, it’s bittersweet. Losing someone like Herby feels like losing a piece of my history. I keep replaying our memories together in my mind, especially our adventures on the red carpet.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned your first red carpet experience with him. Can you share more about that moment?
**Anouk Meunier:** Oh, absolutely! It was such an exhilarating experience. He was my anchor as we navigated those glamorous yet intimidating moments. I remember our shopping trip on Hollywood Boulevard—we felt like stars! His humor and warmth made everything feel light, even in the midst of the chaos. It’s moments like that which I will treasure forever.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like he had a significant impact on your career. How would you say he influenced the television landscape in Quebec?
**Anouk Meunier:** He truly was a pioneer. Cultural television in Quebec in the 2000s would have been far less vibrant without him. He had this unique ability to blend exclusivity with a sincere camaraderie, always encouraging those around him to shine brighter. He made competition feel like a team effort—more like a friendly tug-of-war than a rivalry.
**Interviewer:** What do you think he would want people to remember most about him?
**Anouk Meunier:** I believe he’d want us to remember the joy he brought to our lives and to keep that spirit alive. Herby was all about celebrating life, and I think he’d encourage us to keep living like it’s a never-ending red carpet event, always embracing laughter and fun.
**Interviewer:** As you reflect on the many tributes from other presenters, how do you feel the industry will carry his legacy moving forward?
**Anouk Meunier:** It’s heartwarming to see how deeply he touched so many lives. I think his legacy will inspire a new generation of hosts to pursue their passions while lifting each other up. Hopefully, they’ll carry a bit of that sparkle he embodied with them into their own careers.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what’s one personal memory of Herby that you cherish the most?
**Anouk Meunier:** I’d have to say our laughter. He had this contagious laugh that could light up a room. During those stressful moments on set, he always found a way to ease the tension. I can still hear it in my mind, and it brings a smile to my face. That’s how I’ll remember him—alive in the joy he shared with all of us.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Anouk. Your memories are beautiful tributes to a truly beloved figure in Quebec television.
**Anouk Meunier:** Thank you for having me. Let’s keep celebrating Herby and the impact he made. Cheers to him! 🥂