René Homier-Roy, Icon of Quebec Media, Dies at 85
René Homier-Roy, a towering figure in Quebec’s cultural and media landscape, passed away recently at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than six decades. For anyone familiar with Quebec media, his voice, insight, and critical eye were a constant presence, whether on radio, television, or in print. Born in Montreal on April 5, 1940, he was the eldest of four children. Interestingly, during his teenage years, he combined his mother’s surname with his father’s, a decision that would become his professional identity.
After completing studies in architecture at McGill University and political science at both the University of Ottawa and the University of Montreal, René’s career path took a decisive turn toward journalism. His first job in media came at Le Petit Journal , where he started as a proofreader while still a student. There, his passion for communicating and connecting with audiences was sparked—a passion that would guide the rest of his life. By the late 1960s, he had joined La Presse as a critic and later became director of the Arts and Entertainment pages, a position he held from 1969 to 1973.
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René didn’t stop at daily journalism. In the 1970s and 1980s, he founded and directed influential magazines, including Nous , focusing on lifestyle and society, and Ticket , dedicated to cinema—his true love. Over the years, he also contributed to L’actualité and Ch'stelaine , establishing himself as a critic whose opinions were respected, sometimes feared, for their honesty. As he often said, credibility could only be earned through consistency and cultural knowledge.
His work extended naturally to television and radio. He hosted shows such as Mesdames et messieurs , À première vue , and La bande des six , becoming a familiar and trusted face for Quebec audiences. From 1998 to 2013, he became the morning voice for many as host of C’est bien meilleur le matin on Radio-Canada, earning a reputation for sharp interviews and insightful commentary. Later, he led Culture Club from 2013 until his retirement in June 2025, unable to continue due to health issues. Even then, a final farewell was recorded at his home, as he had been too ill to visit the studio.
Beyond his professional achievements, René was known as a voracious reader and a lifelong advocate for cultural literacy. He was awarded by Library and Archives Canada in 2024 for his exceptional contributions to preserving and promoting the country’s cultural and artistic heritage. Colleagues and fans remember him as erudite, informed, and fair-minded, a critic who never shied away from honesty, even when it was difficult.
René Homier-Roy’s passing marks more than the loss of a journalist; it signals the end of an era in Quebec media. His dedication to the arts, commitment to truth in criticism, and tireless efforts to bring culture to the public ensured that generations of listeners, readers, and viewers were enriched, entertained, and challenged. Quebec, and its cultural world, will remember him as a guide, a mentor, and above all, a passionate lover of the arts. His voice may have been silenced, but his impact will resonate for decades to come.
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