There are voices that capture the soul of a generation. In Quebec, few have done it as powerfully as Louise Forestier. From her breakthrough duet ‘Lindberg’ with Robert Charlebois in 1968 to her acclaimed film roles and multiple Felix Awards, Forestier has shaped French-Canadian music and cinema for over five decades. This article traces her journey from Shawinigan to stardom, and why her legacy endures.

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Age: 82 (as of 2024) · Birthplace: Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada · Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actress · Years Active: 1960s–present · Famous For: Duet ‘Lindberg’ with Robert Charlebois · Record Label: Audiogram

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Some sources list birth year as 1943 instead of 1942 (IMDb; Last.fm)
  • No comprehensive discography with chart positions publicly aggregated (IMDb)
3Timeline signal
  • 1968: ‘Lindberg’ released; Quebec’s musical landscape shifts
  • 1972: Debut film role in IXE-13
  • 1980: Plays Marie-Jeanne in Starmania
  • 2000s onward: Multiple Felix Awards, continued influence
4What’s next
  • Her music remains on streaming platforms; compilations are still released by Apple Music
  • Potential reissues or tribute concerts; no explicit upcoming projects announced (Apple Music)
Eight key facts about Louise Forestier
Attribute Detail
Full Name Louise Belhumeur (known professionally as Louise Forestier)
Born August 10, 1942
Birthplace Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada
Occupation Singer, songwriter, actress
Years Active 1960s–present
Genres Chanson, pop, folk
Labels Audiogram, Gamma, Polydor
Associated Acts Robert Charlebois, Paul Buissonneau, Les Cyniques

When was Louise Forestier born?

Birth and early childhood

Louise Forestier was born on August 10, 1942 in Shawinigan, a city in the Mauricie region of Quebec. The Governor General of Canada recognises her as a leading figure in Quebec culture, confirming her early roots. Her birth name is Louise Belhumeur; she adopted the stage surname Forestier early in her career.

She grew up in a francophone household and showed an early interest in music and performance. Some databases, including IMDb, list her birth year as 1943, creating a minor discrepancy that has not been resolved by official records. However, her record label Audiogram and most biographical sources consistently use 1942.

Musical beginnings

Forestier studied acting at the National Theatre School in Montreal, where she honed the stage presence that would define her live performances. She first came to public notice in 1966 when she won the Renée Claude Trophy at Le Patriote and was named Discovery of the Year on the CBC/Radio-Canada program Jeunesse oblige.

Bottom line: Forestier’s birth year is generally accepted as 1942, but a persistent 1943 listing on IMDb and Last.fm means readers should verify against primary sources. The Governor General of Canada and her label Audiogram confirm the 1942 date.

How old is Louise Forestier?

Current age and birthday

As of 2024, Louise Forestier is 82 years old. Her birthday is August 10. Female.com.au gives her age as 83 in 2025, which would make her 83 by the time this article is read. The calculation depends on the source: if using 1942, she turns 82 in 2024; using 1943, she would be 81. Given that the Governor General of Canada cites her as having a career spanning close to 50 years, the 1942 date aligns with her debut in the mid‑1960s.

Why this matters

Age discrepancies in biographical databases can affect eligibility for senior awards and heritage recognition. For Forestier, the difference is just one year — yet it illustrates how easily conflicting records propagate online.

What is Louise Forestier known for?

Rise to fame with ‘Lindberg’

In 1968, Forestier recorded ‘Lindberg’ with Robert Charlebois, a song that became a cultural landmark in Quebec. The revue L’Osstidcho, in which both performed, is considered a watershed moment in French-Canadian music. Wikipedia notes that the duet sold hundreds of thousands of copies and introduced a new, rock‑influenced style to chanson.

Collaboration with Robert Charlebois

Forestier and Charlebois toured France together in 1969 and released a joint album. Apple Music describes their collaboration as defining an era. The partnership gave Forestier a platform to showcase her powerful contralto and acting range.

Acting career highlights

Forestier appeared in the 1972 film IXE-13, directed by Jacques Godbout, and performed on the original soundtrack. She also played the robot waitress Marie‑Jeanne in the Montreal production of the rock opera Starmania in 1980. Her television work includes the series Les filles de Caleb and Les Boys. She has won multiple Felix Awards – Quebec’s equivalent of the Junos – for her vocal performance and artistic contribution.

The upshot

Forestier’s crossover appeal – from chanson to pop to acting – made her a household name in Quebec. The Governor General of Canada calls her a leading figure in Quebec culture for close to five decades.

What are Louise Forestier’s most famous songs?

Signature songs and albums

Beyond ‘Lindberg’, Forestier’s most recognised track is ‘La prison de Londres’ (1973), which topped the Quebec charts. AllMusic identifies it as one of her essential works. Her debut album, Louise Forestier (1970), and L’album du temps (1975) cemented her reputation.

Lyrical themes and style

Forestier’s music blends folk, pop, and traditional chanson, with lyrics that often explore love, identity, and Quebecois pride. Her style has influenced later artists such as Cœur de pirate.

The table below captures her three most significant recordings and their cultural weight.

Song Year Notable Aspect
‘Lindberg’ (with R. Charlebois) 1968 Landmark duet; cultural breakthrough
‘La prison de Londres’ 1973 Number‑1 hit in Quebec
‘La danse à Saint‑Dilon’ 1970 Showcases her folk‑chanson style

The implication: While ‘Lindberg’ remains her biggest commercial success, ‘La prison de Londres’ arguably shows her artistic maturity. New listeners may be surprised by the range between these two songs.

The trade‑off

While ‘Lindberg’ remains her biggest commercial success, ‘La prison de Londres’ arguably shows her artistic maturity. New listeners may be surprised by the range between these two songs.

What movies has Louise Forestier been in?

Notable film roles

Forestier’s most famous film is IXE-13 (1972), a spy comedy that became a cult classic in Quebec. She also starred in Imelda contre‑attaque (1992) and provided voice work for animated projects.

Television appearances

On TV, she appeared in the popular series Les filles de Caleb and Les Boys, as well as numerous variety shows. IMDb lists over 20 credits spanning four decades.

Timeline of Louise Forestier’s career

  • – Born on August 10 in Shawinigan, Quebec
  • – Begins career in Quebec nightclubs and theatre
  • – Duet ‘Lindberg’ with Robert Charlebois becomes a massive hit
  • – Releases self‑titled debut album
  • – Stars in film IXE-13
  • – Releases album L’album du temps
  • – Plays Marie‑Jeanne in Starmania
  • – Wins multiple Felix Awards
  • – Remains active; performs occasionally and releases compilations

Clarity: what we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Born August 10, 1942 in Shawinigan, Quebec
  • Real name Louise Belhumeur
  • Profession: singer, songwriter, actress
  • Duet ‘Lindberg’ with Robert Charlebois in 1968
  • Film IXE-13 (1972)
  • Won Felix Awards
  • Staged show Je suis au rendez‑vous in 1982

What’s unclear

  • Exact birth year (some sources say 1943)
  • Comprehensive chart positions for all singles
  • Current details about future projects

Louise Forestier has been a leading figure in Quebec culture for close to 50 years.

— Governor General of Canada

Her 1968 collaboration album with Robert Charlebois is a landmark in Quebec music.

— Apple Music Essentials playlist description

For Quebec’s cultural heritage, the legacy of Louise Forestier is not just a reminder of the past but a blueprint for the future of chanson. Her influence on artists like Cœur de pirate shows that her approach remains relevant. For the next generation of French‑Canadian musicians, the choice is clear: study Forestier’s blend of authenticity and theatricality, or risk missing a foundational lesson in how Quebec music speaks to the world.

Additional sources

music.apple.com, last.fm, last.fm, facebook.com, nts.live, open.spotify.com, youtube.com

A full account of her life and music is available in this detailed biography.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Louise Forestier’s real name?

Her birth name is Louise Belhumeur. She adopted the stage surname Forestier early in her career.

What was Louise Forestier’s first major hit?

Her first major hit was the duet ‘Lindberg’ with Robert Charlebois in 1968.

Has Louise Forestier acted in any films?

Yes, her most notable film role is in IXE-13 (1972). She also appeared in Imelda contre‑attaque (1992) and numerous TV series.

Where can I buy Louise Forestier’s music?

Her music is available on streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, and through her label Audiogram.

Is Louise Forestier still performing?

She remains active, performing occasionally and releasing compilations. No major tour has been announced for 2025.

How did Louise Forestier get her start in show business?

She won the Renée Claude Trophy in 1966 and was named Discovery of the Year on CBC/Radio-Canada’s Jeunesse oblige, after studying at the National Theatre School.

What genre of music does Louise Forestier sing?

She primarily sings chanson, pop, and folk, often with strong Quebecois influences.