The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeEntertainmentMusicianLouise Forestier
Entertainment • Musician

Louise Forestier

Louise Forestier is a Québécoise singer, songwriter, actress, and performer from Shawinigan, Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Louise Forestier is a Québécoise singer, songwriter, actress, and performer from Shawinigan, Quebec. She became known in the late 1960s through her collaborations with Robert Charlebois and her participation in *L’Osstidcho*, and later built a long career across music, theatre, film, and television.

Early life and training

Louise Forestier was born Louise Belhumeur in Shawinigan, Quebec, and later moved to Montreal. She studied at the École nationale de théâtre de Montréal and graduated in 1964, training before entering professional performance.

Music career

Forestier emerged in the late 1960s as part of Quebec’s modern chanson scene, especially through her collaborations with Robert Charlebois and her role in *L’Osstidcho*. Her repertoire includes songs that became well known in Quebec popular music, and she has recorded numerous albums and written or interpreted many songs.

Acting and stage work

In addition to singing, Forestier worked as an actress and performed in theatre, film, television, and musical productions. Her career has included both dramatic roles and variety-style appearances.

Recognition and legacy

Forestier has received several honours for her artistic career, including being made a member of the Order of Canada and a Compagnon de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, as well as being named a citizen of honour of Montreal. She is regarded as an important figure in Quebec cultural history.

Key facts

  • Louise Forestier is a Québécoise singer, songwriter, and actress born in Shawinigan, Quebec.
  • Her career breakthrough came in the late 1960s through collaborations with Robert Charlebois and *L’Osstidcho*.
  • She studied at the École nationale de théâtre de Montréal and graduated in 1964.
  • She has worked in music, theatre, film, and television, recording numerous albums.
  • She has received major honours including the Order of Canada and the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec.
🍁
Canadian context

Louise Forestier is a significant figure in Québec and Canadian popular music, especially in the development of modern French-language chanson and Québec stage performance.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Louise Forestier?
Louise Forestier is a Canadian Québécoise singer, songwriter, and actress known for her long career in music and performance.
What is Louise Forestier’s birth name?
Her birth name is Louise Belhumeur.
Where was Louise Forestier born?
She was born in Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada.
What is Louise Forestier best known for?
She is best known for her work in Québec chanson and for her collaborations with Robert Charlebois, especially *L’Osstidcho*.
Did Louise Forestier work in acting?
Yes. She also worked as an actress in theatre, film, and television.
What honours has Louise Forestier received?
She has been made a member of the Order of Canada and received other Quebec cultural honours.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopediahttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/forestier-louise
    Supports: Identifies Louise Forestier as a singer, songwriter, and actress from Shawinigan, Quebec.
  2. Ordre national du Québechttps://www.ordre-national.gouv.qc.ca/membres/membre.asp?id=3767
    Supports: Provides career summary and honours, including Order of Canada and Quebec arts distinctions.
  3. Audiogramhttps://www.audiogram.com/artistes/louise-forestier/
    Supports: Notes her early collaboration with Robert Charlebois and participation in *L’Osstidcho*.
  4. Culture Shawiniganhttps://culture-shawinigan.ca/louise-forestier/
    Supports: Gives biographical details including birth in Shawinigan, theatre studies, and early career milestones.
  5. Radio-Canadahttps://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1881013/louise-forestier-chanteuse-comedienne-portrait-archives
    Supports: Describes her as an important figure in Québec song and notes her career beginning in the late 1960s.