Elvis Gratton actor Julien Poulin has died at 78
Podz also directed him in the 2014 film Miraculum.
Renowned Actor Julien Poulin Passes Away at 78
Actor Julien Poulin, a celebrated figure in Quebec's cultural landscape, passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.
His agent, Eugénie Gaillard, confirmed the news to The Canadian Press, though the family has chosen not to disclose the cause of death. “I have no further details. The family would like their privacy to be respected at this time,” Gaillard stated.
A Storied Career in Film and Television
Born in Montreal on April 20, 1946, Poulin appeared in approximately 100 films throughout his career. His most iconic role was Bob Gratton in the cult-classic trilogy Elvis Gratton, directed by his close friend Pierre Falardeau.
“He left a major mark on Quebec culture in many ways,” noted his agency in a statement. “An icon of Quebec cinema, Julien Poulin brought to the big screen one of the most famous characters in Quebec cinema.”
Poulin earned two Jutra Awards for his roles in Le dernier souffle (2000) and Camion (2013), as well as a Gémeau Award in 2007 for his supporting role in the series Minuit, le soir. His filmography includes notable works such as 15 février 1839, Séraphin: Un homme et son péché, and Paul à Québec.
Many of Poulin’s roles reflected strong socio-political themes. In a 1997 interview, he remarked, “Humans are not independent of social, political, and human realities.”
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Poulin began his career in the 1960s as a stage actor and was deeply involved in Quebec's theater scene, collaborating with groups like La Veillée and Compagnie Omnibus. He was also an ardent advocate for Quebec's independence, delivering a stirring Patriotic Speech at the Fête Nationale in 1998.
Condolences and Tributes
Quebec Premier François Legault expressed his condolences, remembering Poulin’s contributions: “Julien Poulin: A great Quebec actor. I remember, of course, his role as Elvis Gratton, but also his exceptional performance in Minuit, le soir.”
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon called Poulin a “giant of Quebec culture and activism for independence,” while Quebec Solidaire’s Ruba Ghazal praised the depth of his social critiques in Elvis Gratton.
Federalist voices also joined in the tributes, with interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay saying, “We are losing a great actor who made us laugh and moved us.”
The Union des artistes described his contributions as “exceptional,” noting they would be remembered for years to come.
Singer-songwriter Dan Bigras, who worked with Poulin on Falardeau's final film, shared his personal reflections: “He’s an enormous actor, a great guy, and hyper-sensitive.”
Poulin's passing marks the loss of a significant cultural figure whose work resonated deeply with audiences in Quebec and beyond.
