Quebec actor Michel Cote, known for film and theatre roles, dead at 72

Quebec actor Michel Cote, who captivated audiences with his roles in the theatre piece 'Broue' and films such as 'Cruising Bar' and C.R.A.Z.Y.,' has died at 72.

Quebec actor Michel Cote, who captivated audiences with his roles in the theatre piece "Broue" and films such as "Cruising Bar" and "C.R.A.Z.Y.," has died at 72, his family said Monday.

Cote retired from public life just over a year before his death to undergo treatment for a bone marrow disease.

The actor was a favourite in Quebec, and received a lifetime achievement award in 2013 at the Jutra awards.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault paid tribute to Cote on social media, describing him as one of Quebec's great actors.

"I still laugh out loud at Broue, Cruising Bar, La petite vie, but I also remember his touching role in C.R.A.Z.Y.," Legault wrote on Twitter. He added that Cote was set to receive the National Order of Quebec in the coming weeks.

Cote's career began in 1983 with a role in Andre Forcier's film "Au clair de la lune," starring Guy L'Ecuyer.

He appeared in at least 25 films and some 20 television series. In between shoots, he appeared on stage in the evenings to perform in the theatre piece "Broue" with his friends Marc Messier and Marcel Gauthier -- which he did for 38 years until 2017.