There are names that open doors, and others deliberately left outside. In the world of French television and radio, few have embodied this philosophy quite like Fabrice: a presenter whose single, simple first name became his signature—and his shield.
A Name, A Principle: One Simple Choice at the Heart of a Career
- Why did Fabrice, a familiar face on TV and a regular, comforting voice on RTL, insist on only ever using a plain first name?
- The answer: a deliberate, lucid ambition to succeed by his own merits, steering clear from the winds of nepotism or ready-made privilege.
Far from seeking a boost from his well-known family name, Fabrice set out early in his career to carve a path unmistakably his own, building a direct relationship with the public and anchoring his credibility in personal talent, hard work, and constancy.
A Face on the Screen, a Voice on the Airwaves
For many, Fabrice remains synonymous with much-loved television shows: La Classe on France 3, Intervilles on TF1, and so many others across generations and formats. Meanwhile, the airwaves of RTL pulsed to his rhythm with a regularity and longevity that cemented his status. Behind these successes lay a guiding principle: give prominence to a single, clear first name—keep the famous surname well out of sight.
By August 20, 2025, Fabrice had blown out 84 candles, still loyal to this line. Now living in Switzerland, nearly retired, he looks back with tender amusement over his path. The memories of the 1960s to the 1980s serve as a personal compass, steering his doubts and priorities with nostalgic clarity.
Dropping the Surname: A Shield and a Strategy
It’s no accident that Fabrice kept his famous family ties out of the spotlight. Son of René Simon, founder of Cours Simon, and stepson of Maurice Bessy, director of the Cannes Film Festival, he knew well the weight—or suspicion—a name could carry. By separating his media persona from these dynastic links, Fabrice shielded his legitimacy, reduced accusations of favoritism, and secured the public’s trust.
The move was also practical. After abandoned law studies, Fabrice was welcomed by RTL and its director, Roger Kreicher, at just 25. Hosting La Case au Trésor at midday, he dabbled in film and pop music too, briefly performing as François Fabrice (François being his real first name). But this double life posed an issue: ambiguity swirled between the singer and the presenter. To avoid confusion, he decided to stick with a distinctive, memorable first name. It simplified matters for the station, clarified what listeners could expect, and set a neat professional boundary.
Literature gave a gentle nudge too. His admiration of Stendhal led him to Fabrice Del Dongo as inspiration, while the 1960s yé-yé trend for double-lettered names didn’t hurt, lending a touch of accessible pop flair.
Sixty Years of Endurance: The Making of an Icon
This strategy more than paid off.
- From 1965 to 2000, Fabrice’s run on RTL was continuous and strong—a marathon in itself.
- On TV, he led beloved programs including Les Jeux de 20 heures, Sexy Folies, and Intervilles.
Every format confirmed the same direction: high visibility, plain identity, and a clear promise to the public.
Even when stepping back from regular hosting at the turn of the 2000s, Fabrice made thoughtful returns: thanks to Laurent Ruquier, who revived his light touch with On n’demande qu’à en rire and Les Grosses Têtes. Fabrice enjoyed these reunions—without chasing the limelight, remaining discreet about money, and always maintaining a calm reserve.
His rapport with the audience has rested on a simple promise: proximity, without confusion. He keeps his style calm, open to self-deprecation, and away from noise and controversy. Listening and simplicity win out over bombast or fashion. Fabrice has carefully cultivated a uniquely approachable relationship with the public, resisting fleeting trends and the frantic pace of media today.
In December 2024, another milestone came in an ICI interview. Fabrice again explained the reasoning behind his pseudonym and the autonomy it preserved. He now accepts his hearing is less sharp and needs to focus harder—finding some amusement in no longer recognizing all the names referenced, a peaceful nod to celebrity and its passing acquaintances.
He told France Dimanche of his nostalgia for a lighter, more joyful France, recalling the 1960s and 1970s as times with less unemployment or aggression. These memories sustain a lucid, quietly unbitter view—never vengeful, never naive.
To this day, Fabrice’s path is marked by an allergy to pointless polemics. He sidesteps public comment on money, focuses on essentials, avoids noisy posturing, and places personal hygiene (of the moral kind) first. It’s this clean approach that has underpinned his longevity, building lasting trust and protecting his image through decades, private and public alike.
In the end, one name was enough for an extraordinary journey. Fabrice chose freedom from suspicion and a bond with his audience. Six decades of radio and TV later, he leaves a solid reputation, clear legacy, and gentle, shared respect—a singular path traced in just one name.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
