The world of cinema mourns the loss of Yvonne Laflamme, the actress who portrayed Aurore in the iconic Quebec film, “La petite Aurore, l’enfant martyre.” Laflamme passed away at the age of 86 on December 31. The news was confirmed by the Union des artistes (UDA) and reported by QMI Agency.
Legacy of Yvonne Laflamme
Yvonne Laflamme rose to fame in 1952 with her role in the cult classic film directed by Jean-Yves Bigras. The character Aurore is based on a real-life story from the late 1910s, depicting her suffering at the hands of her cruel stepmother. This tragic narrative resonated deeply and spawned a highly publicized trial, making it a significant part of Quebec’s history.
A Notable Performance
One of the film’s most harrowing scenes shows the stepmother punishing Aurore by placing her hands on a hot stove. In a 1995 interview with Le Journal de Montréal, Laflamme reflected on her experience, stating, “I was 11 years old when I played Aurore. It seems no one has ever forgotten this film.” She continued to act in theater until the age of 30.
Career Highlights
- Notable roles after “Aurore” included appearances in the television series “Grand-papa” and the children’s show “Le Pirate Maboule.”
- Laflamme attended the restoration premiere of “La petite Aurore” at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec in 2018.
- The story of Aurore was revisited in the 2005 film “Aurore,” featuring a new cast including Marianne Fortier and Rémy Girard.
Additionally, another significant talent linked to the original film, Janette Bertrand, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Laflamme’s legacy as the actress who played Aurore will continue to be cherished by fans of Quebec cinema.
