Who was Thierry Ardisson married to? Family explored as French TV presenter dies at 76

Renowned French TV presenter Thierry Ardisson, nicknamed the Man in Black, passed away on 14 July 2025. He was 76.

His family confirmed his demise, revealing that he succumbed to liver cancer. His wife, TF1 journalist Audrey Crespo-Mara, said in a statement to Agence France-Presse:

"Thierry left as he lived. As a courageous and free man. With his children and mine, we were united around him. Until his last breath."

Thierry Ardisson and Audrey Crespo-Mara had been together since November 2009. They tied the knot in June 2014 and were married until his passing. Crespo-Mara has two children from a previous relationship, including the footballer Sekou.

She is known for her contributions to TF1, where she has produced many societal and economic documentaries. She became the presenter of LCI Matin from Monday to Thursday in September 2007 and has covered several live events over the course of her career, including the funeral of the Abbé Pierre, the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in April 2011, and more.

She presents Vue sur la Planète, which is a weekly program that focuses on ecology. On Thursdays, she hosts Dans Nos Quartiers, a show that chronicles life in the French suburbs. Not much else is known about the couple's personal life, and there is no information that suggests they had children together.

Thierry Ardisson's life and death explored as tributes come pouring in

Thierry Ardisson was popular for his sharp wit and black-and-white aesthetic. He was born on January 6, 1949, though he began his career in television in the 1980s. He made his breakthrough in 1985 with Lunettes noires pour nuits blanches, a late-night show that allowed him to exercise his free and daring voice.

In 1992, he launched his own magazine, Entrevue, though he eventually sold his shares to Hachette-Filipacchi in 1995. Three years later, he launched a consumer magazine, J’économise, which was a massive hit.

On TV at the time, he was hosting Descente de police, press interviews for TF1, but his shows were deemed too provocative and kept getting censored. The network then shifted him to host the show Scoop à la une. He also served as the co-producer of the show À la folie pas du tout from 1986 to 1987, though it was hosted by another renowned host named Patrick Poivre-d’Arvor.

Over the course of his career, he hosted several other shows, including 93, Faubourg Saint-Honoré on Paris Première, Tout le monde en parle, Paris Dernière, and Salut les Terriens! He also had a stint in film, having produced 2012's Max. In 2013, Thierry Ardisson produced his second feature film, The Gift.

Photographer Stéphane de Bourgies has since honored Thierry Ardisson on Instagram in a statement that reads as follows:

“My dear Thierry, I learned this morning that you left 😔 I'm thinking back to the day you came to my studio to make this picture. We didn't know each other before and I discovered a quite different man, I must say, than the one I used to watch on TV. I remember a simple, direct, endearing and sincere Thierry Ardisson 🙏 I remember our laughs too 😊 And I remember that you especially liked this photo ♥️ Many people are thinking of you today Thierry, we will miss you... Have a safe trip 🙏😘. #thierryardisson@thierry_ardisson.”

Actor Didier Gustin also echoed the sentiments:

“Thierry helped me a lot. He always believed in me, reached out to me, and invited me onto his shows many times. For me, he was much more than a host: an artist, a creator, a true one. We recently met on his show Hôtel du Temps, where I had the honor of lending my voice to Coluche. A powerful moment, a brilliant idea, as always with him. Thank you, Thierry, for your trust, your elegance, and your unique perspective on this profession."

According to Euro News, the late anchor host was known as the ‘man in black’ because he only ever sported all-black ensembles. According to the publication, one of his most notorious moments was asking the former prime minister if "sucking" constituted cheating, to which Michel Rocard answered no.

Thierry Ardisson was given the Knight of the Legion of Honour, Playback FM states, though further details about the same remain scarce. He also authored books like Louis XX - Contre-enquête sur la monarchie and Confessions d'un Babyboomer, in which he looks back on his personal life and his affinity for provocation. Thierry Ardisson released his last book, L'Homme en Noir, on May 9, 2025.

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