René Claude Simard, a renowned pop singer from Quebec, was born on February 28, 1961, in Chicoutimi, Quebec. As the older brother of Nathalie Simard, he has been a prominent figure in the Quebec music scene.
Simard's remarkable journey began in 1974, when he was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix by Frank Sinatra at the Tokyo Music Festival. This achievement marked the beginning of his illustrious career, which has spanned over four decades.
In addition to his music, Simard has also ventured into acting. One of his notable roles was as Stu, the henchman, in the 1995 film Kids of the Round Table. He has also made appearances on television, hosting the CBC Television series, The René Simard Show, from 1977 to 1979.
Between 2006 and 2008, Simard hosted the television series L'heure de gloire on Radio-Canada, further solidifying his status as a versatile performer.
Simard's personal life has been marked by controversy, particularly regarding his former manager, Guy Cloutier, who was convicted of sexually assaulting his sister Nathalie. Simard has denied allegations that he cooperated with Cloutier in attempting to conceal the assaults.
In 1999, Simard took on the iconic role of The Phantom in the Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera, a performance that earned him widespread acclaim. He was succeeded by Paul Stanley, another notable performer.
Simard has been married to TV hostess Marie-Josée Taillefer since 1987, and in 2014, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada "for his contributions to the development of Quebec culture as a performer, host, and director."
Throughout his illustrious career, Simard has made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the Quebec music scene.
