The Passing of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo
Only a memory remains of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo. On Thursday, June 1st, 2023, he passed away at the age of 72. The sad news was announced by the directing duo on social media. “We have just learned with immense sadness the passing of our friend Philippe Pozzo di Borgo,” they wrote. On Friday, June 2nd, Omar Sy broke his silence to pay a final tribute to the man who helped him win the César for Best Actor on February 24th, 2012, on Instagram.
A Life-Changing Story
By accepting that his story be adapted into a film, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo changed the lives of many vulnerable and fragile people. “We keep the image of a courageous, dignified, humble and combative man,” said Omar Sy. 24 hours after this tragic news, François Cluzet paid him a poignant tribute in an article in Le Parisien, this Saturday, June 3rd, 2023.
Before the Accident
Before becoming quadriplegic, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo was a wealthy businessman. He was director of the Pommery champagnes, before a paragliding accident that rendered him paraplegic in 1993. After the death of his wife a few years later, it was Abdel Yasmin Sellou, an immigrant from the Paris suburbs, who became his caretaker and friend for the rest of his life. “Fly Philippe, fly very high now, nothing bad will happen to you anymore, and we will never forget you (…) Bravo, Philippe, and thank you for the love you gave us,” concluded François Cluzet.
