Patrick Emmanuel Abellard's television consumption in the early 2000s rhymed primarily with two words: humor and family. Thanks to local productions and a popular American comedian, the actor has found something to laugh about and belongs to a beautiful, large family…
Patrick Emmanuel, what shows had an influence on you when you were younger?
Ramdam and Radio Enfer were among the programs I listened to most often as a child. Ramdam had a family feeling every day. We saw the characters evolve. At my young age it spoke to me; I could see myself in these characters with their grief and family disputes… At Radio Enfer I always liked to laugh and make people laugh. It relaxed me watching this show.
Photo from the Ramdam archives
What are the fondest television memories that you associate with your youth?
It was fun listening to Star Académie with my family. It was always great fun to see an artist we really liked triumph. In this competition you can bet and put everything on one card. When that person won, you were so happy that sometimes you even shouted. And sometimes you cried because she was losing and you thought she deserved to win.
Photo from Star Academy Archives
Did you watch a lot or too much TV when you were young?
I watched a lot of television and sometimes too much. When we moved to Terrebonne, I had fewer friends in my area. My friends were in Laval. Back then, it was normal for me to keep myself busy as much as I could without having to ask my parents for a ride.
Radio Hell Photo from IMDB
Is there a character who influenced you to become the artist you are?
I have the “top three” men who really impressed me: Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio and Javier Bardem. Big names, extraordinary talent, fascinating actors who took me into their world with every character… It inspired me a lot. And I would add Eddie Murphy. Just his personality… He had a big, big influence on me. I downloaded his Delirious [une émission spéciale d’humour, NDLR] on my PSP and live recording on Limewire. I showed this to my friends on the bus, I was obsessed. I've listened to Delirious at least 20 times.
What universe do you want children to discover?
A show like “Ramdam” did me a lot of good. I would suggest bringing back a show like this, but more multi-ethnic… That better represents the Montreal I grew up in and that is relevant today. With this in mind, we might even try to put an end to this long struggle between the English and the French. Promoting bilingualism is part of my mission as an actor; I want it to be a strength rather than a struggle.
Finally, would you like to explore the youth world?
I think so. I still eat my crusts, but in the long term I want to be in a position where I can really make an impact. If that's what it takes to get there, I'm completely open to it.
Patrick Emmanuel Abellard is part of the comedy cast The candidatestarring Catherine Chabot, on Extra de Tou.tv.
He is also involved in filming the series Plan B in English, the one who once again lends his features to the character of the police officer Patrick Grimard.