Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2026: Magalie Madison, Between TV Nostalgia and a Clear-Eyed Look at a Diverse Career

By Mulder, Parc des expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte (Hall 7), 15 march 2026

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the heart of the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show treated its visitors to a moment in time with the highly anticipated appearance of Magalie Madison, an iconic figure of 1990s French television. Invited for a special day combining book signings, a meet-and-greet, a photo op, and a panel discussion, the actress successfully reconnected with her loyal audience—many of whom were drawn by her early roles but were also eager to discover the evolution of an artist who has spanned decades without ever being confined to a single image. Our media outlet was present at the panel discussion held in the morning, a session rich in personal insights and anecdotes that offered a deeper understanding of the various facets of her career.

It is indeed difficult to discuss Magalie Madison without revisiting the role that brought her to the public’s attention: that of Annette in the cult series Premiers Baisers, which aired between 1991 and 1995. Her entry into the profession was almost accidental, as she herself humorously recalled during the conference: without any formal acting training at the time, she landed the role thanks to an unexpected vocal improvisation during the audition, adopting a high-pitched voice that perfectly matched the producers’ vision. This detail, which has become almost legendary, perfectly illustrates the spontaneous nature of her early career, but also how certain instinctive choices can shape a career for years to come. She then continued the journey with the same character in Les Années Fac, before reprising the role of Annette years later in Les Mystères de l’Amour, a rare continuity in the French audiovisual landscape that speaks to the public’s attachment to these characters.

But to reduce Magalie Madison to this single role would be to overlook a far richer career. Her career was built on a constant desire to explore, particularly in film, where she collaborated with major directors. Notable examples include her role in Jean Rollin’s La Fiancée de Dracula, a unique work of French fantasy cinema, as well as her appearances in Claude Berri’s L’un reste, l’autre part and Ensemble, c’est tout, and François Ozon’s Une nouvelle amie, all projects that demonstrate her ability to thrive in very different worlds. This diversity, often overlooked by the general public, was discussed at length during the panel, where she emphasized the importance of never limiting oneself to the image projected on screen.

One of the most interesting moments of this discussion was her reflection on her involvement in Les Mystères de l’Amour, a series in which she reprises her role as Annette with a newfound maturity, set within more contemporary storylines. In particular, she plays a woman in a relationship with Monsieur Girard, a character portrayed by Bruno Le Millin, bringing a more composed and introspective dimension to a character once associated with the lightheartedness of AB Productions sitcoms. This evolution has allowed Magalie Madison to redefine her relationship with her own character, but also to reconnect with an audience that has grown up alongside her, an aspect she spoke of with some emotion.

Beyond television and film, the actress has also built a solid career on stage, a field she particularly loves for the freedom it offers. She has thus appeared in numerous plays, ranging from Rémi de Vos’s Projection privée to Franck Le Hen’s Derniers baisers, where she once again revisited the world of *Premiers Baisers in a theatrical adaptation. During the panel, she emphasized the fundamental difference between acting for television and acting on stage, describing theater as a space of immediate truth, without a safety net, where each performance becomes a unique experience.

Another lesser-known but equally revealing facet of her creativity is music. In 2010, Magalie Madison released a mini-album titled 23H23, a very personal project in which she was involved in both writing and composition. This taste for artistic expression in various forms was described as an almost instinctive necessity, a way of never allowing herself to be confined to a single discipline.

It’s hard not to mention the human aspect of this encounter, as Magalie Madison proved to be so approachable and sincere with her fans. Between memories of filming, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the evolution of the industry, she managed to establish a rare sense of closeness at this type of event. This authenticity, palpable throughout the panel, undoubtedly explains the longevity of her connection with the audience.

This appearance at the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2026 was therefore much more than a simple nostalgic cameo: it was a true moment of sharing, where Magalie Madison revisited her career with clarity, while affirming an artistic identity that is constantly evolving. A presence that reminds us that behind iconic television figures often lie rich, complex, and deeply human journeys.

You can view our selection of photos on our Flickr page

Photos and 4K video: Boris Colletier / Mulderville