Keywords Actors, Film & TV Born in 1925 Journalists Playwrights Writers, Fiction

In the early 1950s, Bertrand joined Radio-Canada as host of Déjeuner en musique. She then became affiliated with CKAC, and with her husband, the actor Jean Lajeunesse, introduced the program Jean et Janette, followed by Mon mari et nous, a first on French radio. Taped in her kitchen and dining room, and interrupted by their children returning from school for lunch, they shared their daily grind with thousands of delighted listeners.

At about the same time Bertrand made her television debut on Radio-Canada, Télé-Métropole and Radio-Québec, and as a leading figure, her serials and dramas quickly broke new ground. Her simple yet direct writing style struck a sensitive chord with audiences who for the first time recognized themselves in her sitcoms about relationships and family issues. Drawing on her own experience and the hundreds of letters received from her column, she was never lacking for inspiration. Toi et Moi, Quelle famille! (which also featured her husband, children and even the family dog) and Grand-papa painted touching family portraits.

Moving dramas followed, in which Bertrand broached subjects until then unknown on television. She did not shrink from topics considered daring, and broke down long-established taboos by developing themes of sexuality in couples, homosexuality, AIDS, suicide, gambling, violence against women, loneliness and aging. Depicting a realistic picture of the evolution of Québecois society, the feminine condition and the emancipation of women, Avec un grand A and Parler pour Parler would prove a focal point for television, and an important landmark for actors and for Bertrand - icon, mentor and popular educator.

In the 1970s Bertrand made her mark in theatre with two major works, Moi Tarzan, Toi Jane and Dis moi si j'dérange. These plays made an impact not only because of their subjects - the loneliness of the elderly, and sexism - but also because of the strong emotion in the intense performances of the actors. She would later teach playwriting.

Named "Woman of the Century" at the Salon de la Femme in 1990, Bertrand was honoured with numerous prizes during her long and fruitful career. In 2000, she received the GOVERNOR GENERAL'S PERFORMING ARTS AWARD for her work. Her biography, Ma vie en trois actes, was published in 2004.

Author MYRIAM FONTAINE

Links to Other Sites
Janette Bertrand
A biography of acclaimed Québec broadcaster and author Janette Bertrand. From the website for the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards.