French businessman Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, the real-life inspiration for the main character in the film The Intouchables, has died at the age of 72. Reports from Le Monde referenced the film’s directors, Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, confirming the news.
According to the filmmakers, Pozzo di Borgo passed away on June 1 in Marrakech. In a heartfelt message on social media, Toledano and Nakache recalled how Pozzo di Borgo granted them permission to adapt his story for the screen, a decision that altered their lives and touched countless others who face disability and vulnerability. They described him as a brave, dignified, modest, and steadfast figure whose memory will endure on screen and off. The directors also noted that Pozzo di Borgo’s wit and humor will be missed by audiences around the world.
Pozzo di Borgo hailed from a noble Corsican family. In 1993, he suffered a paragliding accident that left him paralyzed, changing the course of his life and setting the stage for a powerful collaboration with Abdel Sellou, his Algerian aide who helped him rebuild his life after the crash. The film The Intouchables, released in 2011, dramatizes their remarkable partnership.
The movie enjoyed extraordinary success both in France and internationally, earning significant box office returns and resonating with viewers for its warmth, humanity, and humor. The story continues to be celebrated as a testament to resilience, mutual respect, and the transformative power of friendship, drawing attention to issues surrounding disability, social inclusion, and the human capacity to redefine limits. This retrospective look underscores Pozzo di Borgo’s enduring impact and the way his life bridged personal courage with a broader social message. (Citation: Le Monde and later retrospectives from film industry outlets.)