Television has the double benefit of allowing artists to showcase their talent and to be exposed to a mass audience. Céline Bonnier at last emerges from the shadows, having haunted theatrical stages and film sets for seven years. For it’s today that she captivates the whole of America in one fell swoop, thanks to Elzire Dionne, the mother of the famous Dionne quintuplets. Tomorrow everyone will know her face.

At the age of six Céline Bonnier gets up onstage for the first time: “I played the part of a lawyer … I took myself so seriously that I decided that very day that I was going to be an actress.” Then she falls for the transverse flute and her talents lead her to studying music at high school. But the call of the theatre is too strong and she changes tack for the Conservatoire de Québec, not far from her native town of Lévis. “At high school I wanted to share my passion with other musicians but I found myself all alone in a cubicle for hours of rehearsal. I preferred the family atmosphere of a theatre company. Even today I go looking for families. And as I’m attracted to novelty and change, I’m continually moving towards different areas.” When the cinema gives her a nod she seizes the opportunity to add new strings to her bow. This year alone, this young female chameleon has achieved the feat of appearing in André Forcier’s Le Vent du Wyoming, Louis Saïa’s Le Sphinx, and finally Christian Duguay’s Million Dollar Babies. For someone looking for a family atmosphere, she’s certainly found one in this miniseries. And the repeats of Blanche will take us back to her role as Paul’s (Robert Brouillette) fiancée.

Elzire Dionne

Elzire Dionne is your first role as a mother. Are you surprised that they offered it to you?

Yes, I was surprised but very happy because I didn’t expect to play this role at my age (I’m 29). I absolutely wanted to do it, even though I had scheduling problems. I held on to it doggedly.

Now that you’ve played her, have you found why you were attracted to Elzire?

Through Elzire I discovered an amazing story, and as an actress I confess to a weakness for tackling heartrending tragedy. I know now that I wanted to be surrounded by children and to film in the countryside to recall this family atmosphere. < laughs>

What bonds did you form with the children?

They liked us a lot, especially Roy. They were mad about him. And we loved them.

Did you feel Elzire’s pain at having her children taken away?

I felt some grief  watching the documentary (on their life story) before filming, and I was appalled by the rigid mentality of the period. I found their story inconceivable in this the 20^th century which is supposed to be a modern era. At the same time, I understand how it could have happened. In those days a lot of children died, causing doctors to regulate family life and to lay the blame on the mother’s education. All one’s rights were handed over to them. In 1994 this seems incredible.

How did you react when you met the real Dionne sisters?

It was Fathers’ Day. Everyone felt something strange in the atmosphere. They arrived on the set in the afternoon and seeing them was totally astonishing. They were also very moved because the last time they had seen the set (at Clarenceville) they had been 10 years old.

How did they establish contact with you?

We looked at one another without speaking; the atmosphere was intense. Then they asked questions. They came up to me and I told them my name: Cécile got up and ran towards me calling me “mummy”! Some people had to turn away to hide their tears. It was very touching. I’d never really known what sort of relationship they had had with their mother.

What did you see in their eyes?

A lot of emotion. We didn’t speak any more. I was overwhelmed. I was aware of the privileged bond between a mother and her children. It was their parents who took the responsibility for changing the course of their life.

Won’t the fact that this miniseries will be broadcast in both the USA and Canada be a factor in promoting your talent?

That appears to be the case, but I confess that it doesn’t mean a lot to me. I’ve always worked on interesting projects. I do theatre as well. Actually, I’m quite spoiled.

Céline’s real family

Did the family you grew up in spoil you?

I’m still spoiled. I am the youngest of a family of eight. I feel privileged to be a part of it. For my parents, this meant eight adolescent phases. They learned to be more reasonable with us during these difficult periods. My mother has a very artistic side and my father is very open minded and permissive. They encouraged us to develop our talents. This is not to say that there was no discipline at home.

What values have influenced you the most?

The community spirit, the spirit of solidarity. I grew up in a climate of harmony and love. I really feel that I’m part of a clan. We resemble each other and respect each other enormously. Our sisters-in-law say that we’re an amazing family.

Do you all get together sometimes?

We are all scattered, but we try to see each other as often as possible. The loss of our brother last January has brought us together even more.

When you have been used to an ideal family such as yours, do you tend to surround yourself with friends?

I’ve often needed to be on my own, but I admit that I like to keep up my friendships. I have lots of friends. For me it’s the most important thing there is, even more than my career. And I try to keep the links with my family going.

Is friendship more important than love?

I would put them on the same level, even though love is more difficult. Friendship is reliable and gentle, love is surprising and fiery.

Do you think that one day you will have a family of your own?

Yes! I’m sure that one day I’ll have children.

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