Fans from the United States and Europe invade the Autodrome

In addition to the several thousands of spectators who came to cheer on their favourite driver yesterday at Défi-Vision, there were also 86 Royettes who came to cheer on their favourite actor.

Who are the Royettes? They are the inveterate fans of Roy Dupuis who took part in Foundation Mira’s race last night for the umpteenth time since its inception 15 years ago.

There are 2000 of them around the world who swear unconditional admiration for the work of their beautiful Roy. Some had travelled from the United States, from Germany, and even Sweden.

They even have a website (www.royettes.com) and an annual convention. Most of them discovered him through his role in the television series La Femme Nikita, and they fell in love with his … talent.

The gentleman in question, who had no idea what to expect before the meeting, seemed stunned as the group of women settled for just taking photos.

“I’m pleased that they’re here,” declared Roy several minutes before meeting these ladies. They’re a group I’m very proud of. They have given a lot to Mira and the National Theatre School over the years.

He found the idea of them coming to meet him very flattering, but how do you tackle 86 ecstatic women? “I’ll say hello,” said Roy. “Probably in English ….”

The Royettes have come from all over the world to attend Défi-Vision, in the hope of meeting their idol. Several Germans, several Americans, and some Swedes.

One of his admirers, Susan Hollis Merritt from New York, discovered Roy Dupuis in 1997 with the series Nikita. Since then she has consumed all his TV and film work.

“I’ve seen them all,” she said. “I can get by in French, so I bought and watched the whole Filles de Caleb series.”

There was also Debra Hensley from Lexington in South Carolina who was wearing a blissful smile following her first meeting with her Beau Brummell.

“It’s a dream come true,” she said. “I’m definitely going to come back every year to see him.”

Ms Hensley, who also runs a 560-strong discussion group about the Quebec actor, had nothing but praise for him. “We admire all Roy’s incredible work. He sets an example in everything he does.”

Moreover it’s this example that the Royettes try to follow when they collect money for Mira and the National Theatre School.

When the fans wanted the money to go to him, the actor suggested instead that it should be donated to these organisations.

“We came initially because of Roy,” emphasised Debra Hensley. “But we are here also because of Mira. What they accomplish is simply fantastic.”

Appendix ...
There was another section with a small para. about RD. It goes :-
"I want to thank everyone who came out to see the race," said the actor Roy Dupuis, after the ordeal where he finished fourth, along with his driver Johanne Gendron. I hope that you had fun - I did. Till the next one."
Dupuis then said a few words in English, especially for the hundred members of his fanclub who had travelled from the US.