Bernard Pivot: The Passing of the French TV Host of "Apostrophes"

French television host and writer Bernard Pivot passed away on Monday at the age of 89 in the suburbs of Paris, as confirmed by his daughter, Cécile Pivot. He inspired millions of French people to read through his program "Apostrophes." The late Pivot, remembered for his image holding a book in one hand and glasses in the other, also hosted the show "Bouillon de culture." Beginning in 1985, he organized the "Dicos d'or" spelling competition, which quickly became an international event. Pivot joined the Académie Goncourt in 2004 and became its president in 2014, stepping down at the end of 2019. The concept of "Apostrophes," celebrated on his recent birthday, dates back to 1974, with its first episodes airing on January 10, 1975. The program ran for 15 years from 1975 to 1990, attracting millions of viewers, with some clips still garnering many views online. Bernard Pivot, born in Lyon in eastern central France on May 5, 1935, was also known as a football enthusiast, particularly for the Saint-Étienne club.