The world of cinema is in mourning. Nathalie Baye, a prominent figure of the silver screen, passed away due to a neurodegenerative disease, as announced by her close family on Saturday, April 18, 2026, to AFP. The actress died at the age of 77 “Friday evening at her Parisian home from the Lewy body disease,” according to a joint statement from her family.
Nathalie Baye made a lasting impact on multiple generations of cinephiles. She worked with some of the greatest names in cinema, from François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard to Claude Chabrol, Bertrand Blier, and Xavier Dolan. She leaves behind a rich and unique career. Besides her filmography, Nathalie Baye was also well-known to the public for her past relationship with Johnny Hallyday, with whom she had a daughter, Laura Smet.
Nathalie Baye was suffering from a relatively unknown disease. She had Lewy body disease, a neurodegenerative pathology still unfamiliar in France. It presents with cognitive, motor, and behavioral disorders, which can progress over time. Positioned halfway between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, its diagnosis can sometimes be complex. The disease affects the brain by causing an abnormal accumulation of deposits called “Lewy bodies,” which disrupt neuron function.
“Typically, the person affected may experience difficulties in visual and spatial perception. Attention issues, common at the beginning of the disease, might be mistaken for memory problems. They may also struggle with performing multiple tasks simultaneously and reasoning logically,” details France Alzheimer.
There is currently no cure for this disease. Over time, symptoms can intensify and become more visible. “A person with Lewy Body Disease may stare blankly for an extended period or appear drowsy and lethargic, spending a lot of time sleeping,” explains the association. “Thoughts may be confused, without apparent logic or coherence,” it continues.
Today, no cure exists for this disease. However, some treatments can help relieve symptoms. “For cognitive symptoms, some medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease can be effective at times,” clarifies France Alzheimer. “For motor symptoms, treatments used for Parkinson’s disease, such as Dopa, can improve walking or transfers,” it adds.
