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Jean Lapointe
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Liberal Party of Canada
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Jean Lapointe is among the most brilliant Canadian performers of the last half century.
Before embarking on his extraordinary solo career as a singer, comedian, raconteur and actor, Jean Lapointe had great success as part of the duo Les Jérolas. For almost 20 years, Les Jérolas were the most popular entertainers in Quebec, and were the first Quebecois performers to be invited to appear on the legendary American television series The Ed Sullivan Show. They also were a hit in France at the Olympia in Paris.
Mr. Lapointe embarked on his solo career in 1975 with his first show, his first record and appearances in two films. Since then, Jean Lapointe has created and performed more than 15 new shows, recorded as many records and played numerous characters on televison and in films. Highly respected by critics and loved by the public, Jean Lapointe stands in the front rank of Francophone culture. His being named « Grand Québécois de l'année » in 1995 and the tribute he was given at the 2000 Gala des Oliviers are two notable examples.
To his busy life as an artist, Mr. Lapointe added a social and community action initiative in 1981 with the creation of the Jean Lapointe Foundation, which fights alcoholism and other addictions in Quebec. Every year, the Foundation gives funds to the Maison Jean Lapointe as well as more than 30 other organizations that work on the rehabilitation of addicts. There are also three Jean Lapointe Centres for teenagers, which are the only facilities in Quebec that offer therapy and rehabilitation completely free of charge to addicts between the ages of 12 and 18.
In recognition of his many artistic achievements and his social commitment, Jean Lapointe was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1984. He has received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada from the Governor General as well as two honourary doctorates from Quebec universities. He is also a Life Member of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada and a member of the Stamp Advisory Committee of Canada Post.
E-mail Address: charrf@sen.parl.gc.ca
