Laurent Gerra dares to look back: Argument with Hallyday reveals emotions!

Laurent Gerra dares to look back: Argument with Hallyday reveals emotions!

Laurent Gerra, the talented French comedian and impersonator, discussed in a recent interview his strained relationship with Johnny Hallyday, one of the biggest stars of the French music scene. Gerra, known for his spot-on parodies of politicians and celebrities, admitted that his Hallyday impersonations weren't always well received. “I didn't like making Hallyday unhappy because I liked him,” he explained during his appearance on Buzz TV on November 17, 2025. That day, Gerra took a look back at his challenges in his relationship with the legendary singer, which was often characterized by conflicts. Television programs reports that Hallyday once even threatened: “Je vais lui péter la gueule” because Gerra parodied him on a daily basis.

Michel Drucker, a close friend of Hallyday, also remembers this tense time. He often acted as an intermediary between the two, which led to short-term improvements, but conflicts did not stop, especially when Laeticia Hallyday passed Gerra's impersonations on to her husband. Despite these differences, Gerra admitted that he never wanted to harm Hallyday's career or tarnish his reputation. “I wanted him to feel respected,” Gerra continued. Voici added that despite the tensions, Hallyday appreciated Gerra as cultured and intelligent and wanted to have one-on-one conversations with him calmly.

Artistic reconciliation

A turning point in the relationship between the two occurred when Drucker took the initiative to bring them together. Ultimately, the conversations led to Gerra and Hallyday even singing the song “Gabriel” together in the Parc de Sceaux. This event was seen as a sign of their reconciliation as the relationship between the two slowly improved. Gerra shortened his impersonations of Hallyday to respect his feelings - a move many considered mature and respectful.

At the time of Hallyday's death on December 5, 2017, the French music scene was in shock. The response to his loss was enormous and many fans regretted the dismissal of this great figure. Hallyday left an impressive legacy, and Gerra has always emphasized in later conversations that his performances were inspired by Hallyday's charismatic presence. Gerra's respect for the singer also meant that his imitations were never intended to offend, but rather were a tribute to Hallyday's significant influence on music.

Reflections on this special relationship shed light on the dynamics of the world of entertainment and the challenges that come with closeness, often in jest. Gerra, whose name is of Latin origin and means “of Laurentum” or “laurel,” will surely cherish the memories and special moments with Hallyday. These stories show how humor and respect are intertwined in the entertainment industry. Wikipedia notes that the name Laurent is common in various regions, including France and Canada, and appears in the history of figures such as Laurent Gbagbo and Yves Saint Laurent.