The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Herby Moreau, affectionately known as the “Godfather of the Red Carpet,” who passed away at the age of 56. Known for his magnetic personality and unparalleled skill in securing interviews with some of the world’s biggest stars, Moreau was a beloved host and cultural journalist who brought Hollywood glamour to Quebec, often seen mingling at events like the Oscars and the Cannes Film Festival.
Key Takeaways
- Herby Moreau, the “Godfather of the Red Carpet,” passed away at 56, leaving a lasting legacy in entertainment journalism.
- Known as the “star hunter,” Moreau’s fearless tactics and charm led him to secure interviews with some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
- Born in Haiti, Moreau bridged Hollywood glamour with Quebec culture, making stars feel at home and bringing their world closer to his audiences.
Herby Moreau Suicide
Moreau earned his reputation as the “star hunter” by capturing moments that others couldn’t, often taking daring steps to secure exclusive content. Host Isabelle Racicot, who met him in the late 1990s, remembers his fearless approach, recounting how Moreau once waited behind a Vanity Fair event just to capture an unexpected moment with Tom Cruise on his motorcycle. “He always wanted the best clip, the one no one else had,” she recalled.
In another memorable moment, Moreau stood out during the 2002 Oscars ceremony by managing to interview Sidney Poitier, holding the Oscar in his hands, capturing an iconic moment that would be remembered by fans.
Herby’s confidence and charm allowed him to blend seamlessly into Hollywood’s elite circles. Julie Snyder, a fellow host and producer, highlighted this quality, saying that Moreau “never felt like an imposter on a Hollywood red carpet.” He was always at ease and made stars feel comfortable, exuding the same warmth off-camera as he did on it. Snyder, who recognized his potential when they studied together at Jean-de-Brébeuf College, opened a door for him by hiring him as a stylist, paving the way for his journey in media.
Moreau’s unique style and persistent determination helped him make his mark as a host for shows like Star System, District V, and Star Académie. Even behind the scenes, he brought his own flair, opting not to rehearse for live shows, explaining that he didn’t want to become a “parrot.” His authenticity shone through in all he did, whether it was a casual interview or a prestigious event.
Born in Haiti, Moreau moved to Quebec at the age of five. He later studied journalism at the École Supérieure de Lille, working with major media outlets such as France 2, TV5, and M6. Throughout his career, Moreau remained grounded, embracing his Haitian heritage while being a proud ambassador for Quebec culture, both at home and abroad.
Quelle soudaine et triste nouvelle. Surnommé « Le chasseur des étoiles », Herby a rapidement fait sa place sur les tapis rouges et nous a rapprochés de nos stars. Mes pensées vont aux proches d’Herby Moreau. 💫 #polmtl https://t.co/TYYwM3R0Y1
— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) November 4, 2024
Moreau’s friendships were just as meaningful as his career. His friend Julie Du Page recalls, “He was loyal, honest, and his laughter was contagious.” To those who knew him, Moreau was more than just a host—he was a cheerleader, a proud father, and a friend who made everyone feel special.