Pierre Curzi, Canadian actor, screenwriter, and politician

Pierre Curzi, born on February 11, 1946, in the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec, is a distinguished Canadian figure known for his multifaceted career spanning acting, screenwriting, and politics within the province of Quebec. His diverse professional life has seen him captivate audiences on screen, craft compelling narratives, and serve as a prominent voice in provincial governance.

A Distinguished Career in Arts: Actor and Screenwriter

Curzi's artistic contributions are substantial, marked by his versatility and commitment to Quebec's cultural landscape. As an actor, he has graced numerous film and television productions, becoming a familiar and respected face in Quebecois media. His notable film credits include acclaimed works such as "Les Plouffe" (1981), a significant adaptation of Roger Lemelin's novel; Denys Arcand's insightful social satires "Le Déclin de l'empire américain" (The Decline of the American Empire, 1986) and its sequel "Les Invasions barbares" (The Barbarian Invasions, 2003); as well as "Jésus de Montréal" (Jesus of Montreal, 1989), another critically praised film by Arcand. On television, he has appeared in popular series like "Lance et compte," "Scoop," and "Un gars, une fille," further cementing his status as a prominent performer.

Beyond his acting prowess, Pierre Curzi has also made significant contributions as a screenwriter. His most celebrated achievement in this field is undoubtedly his collaboration with director Denys Arcand on the screenplay for "Le Déclin de l'empire américain." This seminal work, a sharp commentary on modern intellectualism and relationships, earned them an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 1987, highlighting his talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives that resonated internationally.

Political Journey: MNA for Borduas

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Pierre Curzi embarked on a significant political career, serving as a Member of the National Assembly of Quebec (MNA). He represented the provincial riding of Borduas, a constituency situated within the Montérégie region, an important administrative and economic area located south of Montreal. This region is known for its rich agricultural lands, suburban communities, and strategic proximity to the metropolis.

Representing Montérégie: The Riding of Borduas

First elected in the 2007 Quebec general election, Curzi successfully secured the seat for Borduas under the banner of the Parti Québécois (PQ). The Parti Québécois is a major provincial political party in Quebec that advocates for the sovereignty of Quebec from Canada and actively promotes the French language and Quebec culture. During his time as an MNA, Curzi notably served as the Official Opposition critic for culture and communications, a role that aligned well with his professional background, and also as the critic for institutional reform.

From Parti Québécois to Independent MNA

After being re-elected in 2008, Curzi's political journey saw a notable shift. In 2011, he, along with three other prominent MNAs—Louise Beaudoin, Jean-Martin Aussant, and Lisette Lapointe—departed from the Parti Québécois to sit as independent members of the National Assembly. This decision was a significant event in Quebec politics at the time, reflecting internal disagreements within the party regarding its approach to Quebec sovereignty and other policy directions, including proposed reforms to the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101). By choosing to sit as an independent, Curzi continued to represent the interests of his constituents in Borduas while demonstrating his personal conviction on key political issues, before ultimately not seeking re-election in 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pierre Curzi

When and where was Pierre Curzi born?
Pierre Curzi was born on February 11, 1946, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What are Pierre Curzi's primary professions?
He is known for his work as an actor, screenwriter, and politician in Quebec.
For which riding did Pierre Curzi serve as an MNA?
He represented the riding of Borduas in the Montérégie region of Quebec.
Which political party did Pierre Curzi initially represent?
He was initially elected under the Parti Québécois (PQ) banner.
Why did Pierre Curzi become an independent MNA?
He left the Parti Québécois in 2011, alongside other MNAs, due to disagreements within the party, particularly concerning its strategic direction on sovereignty and language policies.