For little Marie-Laurence Moreau, Saturday mornings on television had something magical. Even in the evenings, especially when she was spending time with her babysitter. Even if she wasn't the one who spent the most hours in front of the small screen, she saved a lot of beautiful memories…
Marie-Laurence, which youth show had the biggest influence on you?
Saturday young people. There I discovered Le Petit Castor, Astro, Belle et Sébastien, The Mysterious Cities of Gold and Lison's DIY projects! I was small, but I remember there was something calming about sitting in a row and watching our animated “men.” We were accompanied every Saturday morning. Sleepy eyes, pajamas, stuffed animals, bowls of cereal in front of the TV, and long mornings certainly contributed to my happiness!
Belle and Sébastien photo from IMDB
What are your favorite television memories from your childhood?
The evenings I could listen to Passepartout while having dinner with my sitter. She prepared a huge dinner for about fifteen young people who came to eat during school hours. When I happened to be taking care of her after school, she prepared very simple dinners for us and we sat down in front of Passe-Everywhere. Later it became the 100 Watt Club. I even have a photo with Marc-André Coallier somewhere! And then cine gift. It is still a tradition with my children. During the week at home we don't really watch TV, but when it's time for cine treats, yes! It is an important ritual that takes place at the end of the year.
The 100 Watt Club archive photo
Is there a television character who has influenced you?
Émilie Bordeleau played by Marina Orsini. The show “Les Filles de Caleb” influenced me without me realizing it. It was the first time I heard a show that wasn't contemporary and took place at home, in Quebec. For me it was an opening to a different reality than mine. I loved looking at and understanding another era. I think it was a revelation, an awakening for the profession of acting.
Stock photo from Caleb's Daughters
Would you say you watched a lot of TV growing up?
I can't say that I spent much time in front of the TV until I was 16. Except on Saturday mornings and a few times in the evenings. I was quite busy with classes of all kinds: figure skating, ballet, piano, football… Even as a teenager, I remember that my musical culture began with MusiquePlus, when I visited friends' houses. We didn't have cable at home. My dad told us to go play outside!
Finally, what do you think of the youth television offering today?
The variety of shows is exceptional across all the platforms available to us. On the other hand, I am concerned about the fact that in Quebec we are increasingly cutting budgets for youth content. It is important to offer local programming to young people to give them a sense of belonging and to attract an audience interested in our television and culture.
Marie-Laurence Moreau is the beautiful Cindy of comedy Lion, alongside Fabien Cloutier. Episodes of the fifth and final season air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on TVA. You can also binge-watch them on Club illico.