Herby Moreau, affectionately known as the “star hunter,” has passed away at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy as one of Quebec’s most prominent cultural figures. Renowned for his interviews with some of the world’s biggest stars during prestigious events like the Oscars and the Cannes Film Festival, Moreau carved out a unique niche that connected the world of entertainment with the people of Quebec.
His contributions to the industry were acknowledged by many, including fellow television host Isabelle Racicot. Reflecting on their first meeting in 1997 while working at Musique Plus, Racicot highlighted Moreau’s role as a bridge between American showbiz and Quebec audiences. “He was a true connector,” she stated, emphasizing his fearless approach to journalism. “He ventured into places where no other reporter dared to go, always aiming to capture the exclusive clip that others missed.”
Racicot recalled a specific moment that epitomized Moreau’s tenacity. At a Vanity Fair event, he positioned himself behind the venue, anticipating an exclusive shot. His instincts proved correct when Tom Cruise arrived on his motorcycle, and Moreau secured the only footage of the moment. “Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Paris Hilton—he had a knack for finding all the stars. He would go anywhere to get the story,” Racicot remarked.
Moreau’s talent was particularly evident during the 2002 Oscars when he achieved one of his most memorable moments. While other journalists sat back, raising their hands to ask questions of actor Sidney Poitier, Moreau seized the opportunity to stand next to him, holding the Oscar itself. “He had an impressive presence, and it made for some incredible television,” Racicot reminisced.
Herby Moreau was not just a skilled interviewer; he had a unique ability to put celebrities at ease. “When he was on the red carpet in Hollywood, he never felt like an outsider. He belonged there, and everyone wanted to be his friend,” said television host and producer Julie Snyder.
Snyder recognized Moreau’s potential early on during their studies at the Jean-de-Brébeuf College. “He stood out clearly, and we knew he would go far,” she recalled. Snyder opened doors for him in the industry, inviting him to be her stylist for the show Sortir in 1989. From there, Moreau began to craft his reports, eventually hosting several renowned cultural programs, including Star Système, District V, and Star Académie auditions.
Throughout his successful career, Moreau maintained his distinctive voice and style. Snyder remembered his insistence on authenticity, even in live settings. “For Star Académie, he refused to repeat anything, even if it was life. He didn’t want to sound like a parrot. He was always serious about his work,” she added with a laugh.
Born in Haiti, Moreau moved to Quebec at the age of five. He briefly left the province to pursue a journalism degree at the École Supérieure de Lille, where he worked with various media outlets, including RFO, France 2, TV5, and M6. During his time in Paris, he formed a lasting friendship with actress Julie Du Page. “He was a loyal friend and had a huge circle of acquaintances. Evenings with him were never boring; he always had something interesting to say,” Du Page shared.
Upon returning to Quebec, Moreau contributed to Le Petit Journal at TQS and participated in the show Flash, also hosting the pre- and post-gala ceremonies for the Gémeaux Awards, Quebec cinema, and ADISQ. Tragically, his death coincided with the 46th ADISQ Gala, casting a somber shadow over the event.
“It was surreal to learn of his passing on a red carpet, a place where my team and I welcomed him so often,” said Elisabeth Roy, president of the public relations firm Roy and Turner. “Herby was curious, passionate, and determined. He never took ‘no’ for an answer, always persistent yet respectful. He was a remarkable person, leaving a lasting impression on our industry and in the hearts of the public.”
Patrick Roy, president of Immina Films, echoed similar sentiments in a social media tribute. “He had class, guts, and determination. He dedicated his career to shining a light on international stars while also promoting Quebec’s creative talents both here and abroad.”
The news of Herby Moreau’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from various personalities on social media. Liberal Party of Quebec member Marwah Rizqy expressed her shock, recalling, “He was our neighbor in Old Montreal, and the elegance he displayed on the red carpets was mirrored in our neighborhood streets.”
Herby Moreau’s impact on the entertainment industry in Quebec is undeniable. His unique ability to connect with both stars and audiences has left a void that will be difficult to fill. As the entertainment community mourns the loss of this beloved figure, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of journalists and cultural hosts.