The Suicide of Herve Villechaize - Tattoo
De Plane! De Plane!
Herve Villechaize, 'Tattoo' from TV's Fantasy Island
Herve Jean Pierre Villechaize was born on April 23, 1943 in Paris, France. His father, a doctor and resistance fighter during the German occupation of France during World War II, noticed early on that something wasn't quite right with his youngest* son. By the time he reached three, Herve was diagnosed with an acute thyroid condition. The malfunctioning organ would leave Herve at a full-grown height of just under 4 ft tall. Several surgeries and specialized medical procedures at Minnesota's Mayo clinic in America would prove extremely painful and unfortunately unsuccessful at correcting his condition.
Earning him much respect and a certain amount of fame in France, Herve studied painting and photography at the famed Beaux-Arts museum in Paris. At the age of 18 he became the youngest artist to ever have his work displayed in the prestigious Museum of Paris. Herve's road to further fame and success would take its first hairpin turn when, after a night of heavy boozing, he attacked a painting with a knife. In a morbidly prophetic twist, the painting was a self-portrait! {googleads}
At the age of 21 Herve sailed to New York City to ply his artistic craft. After teaching himself English by watching American television and upon immersing himself in the New York City art scene, he would eventually land roles in several off-Broadway plays in the big city. In his first notable movie role, Herve would play 'Beppo' in the 1971 comedy The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight starring Robert DeNiro. He wouldn't experience his big break into show biz until 1974 however, when he landed the role of a tiny villain named Nick-Nack in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.
Fantasy Island
Hoping to capitalize on the momentum he experienced with the success of his role in the James Bond thriller, Herve would move to California, where he worked sporadically until he eventually hooked up with Aaron Spelling. Spelling would cast him opposite Ricardo Montalban on a 1977 ABC Movie of the Week pilot called Fantasy Island. The pilot proved to be so successful that a sequel in 1978 called Return to Fantasy Island was taped. ABC would eventually order a series of the show. Before it was finished, Fantasy Island would run for six seasons, from 1978-1983, making a household name out of his character known as 'Tattoo' and injecting his heavily accented "de plane, de plane" into American pop culture. Herve's newfound fame would lead him to command a whopping $25,000 per episode salary. He met stand-in Donna Camille* on the set and in September of 1980, the couple wed. The couple would move into his newly acquired 2 1/2 acre ranch in the foothills of the San Fernando Valley.
The Villachaize marriage would quickly go south however, leading Donna to file for divorce in December of 1981. It was reported that the divorce severely devastated Herve. He began to sense he was not being treated as fairly as other Fantasy Island cast members. He responded by demanding the same money as front man Montalban, prompting ABC to drop Herve from the show. Herve would tape his last episode of Fantasy Island in April of 1983.
The Beginning of the End
Leaving Fantasy Island would prove to be the push of the first domino in his teetering career. Herve, having blown through his Fantasy Island cash faster than a mouse through cheese, would find himself short of money and big on assets. He would eventually sell his Power Ranch in the Valley and move into a less than reputable rent-house in North Hollywood. His collapsing career and deteriorating health would eventually force Herve to explore a life with the bottle. It was reported that he would often consume two bottles of wine in a single night. While not that unusual for average sized humans, one must remember that Herve tipped the scales at a scant 90 pounds.
A series of phone calls in 1984 would lead to another act of violence by Herve. Assuming the caller to be a rival suitor for the affection of his girlfriend, Herve would eventually purchase a handgun. On one particular night, following another two-bottle bender, Herve became enraged, brandished his shiny new piece, and threatened to shoot it. It would take several friends and family members to eventually calm him down.
By late 1986, Herve had torn through the better part of his $3.6 million that he earned from Fantasy Island. He was now earning a meager $500 per week.
1990 would find Herve's medical condition worsenening. In increasing pain from internal organs that were too large for his body, Herve was taking upwards of 20 pills a day to alleviate the symptoms. He realized that his body was beginning to shut down, and found himself fending off frequent bouts of depression. {googleads}
In 1993 Herve's luck would turn a bit towards the better. He found work in several TV commercials including a Dunkin Donuts spot that, despite his wishes to distance himself from his Tattoo days, would find him asking for "de plain" "de plain" donut.
On September 3, Herve, accompanied by his significant other Katherine Self, would attend a screening of The Fugitive at the Directors Guild Theater in Hollywood. They would later enjoy a dinner at a restaurant near their home at 11537 Killion Drive.
The End
In the early morning hours of September 4, 1993 his common-law wife (even though she didn't live in the same house) would find his body. It seems Herve had written a suicide note, grabbed his tape recorder and proceeded to his cluttered backyard. He turned on the tape recorder and spoke into the microphone, "Kathy, I can't live like this anymore. I've always been a proud man and always wanted to make you proud of me. You know you made me feel like a giant and that's how I want you to remember me" After a bit more rambling he said "I'm doing what I have to do...I want everything to go to Kathy...I want everyone to know that I love them."
In a sitting position, Herve leaned back against the sliding glass patio door*, placed a pillow against his chest, and fired the pistol into the pillow. The bullet would travel through Herve's chest shattering the glass door, pass through a kitchen cabinet, and eventually end up lodged in a wall. The tape recorder caught the sound of Herve co*cking the pistol just before the deadly shots rang out. As he lay slumped against the glass door he mumbled, "it hurts, it hurts...Im dying, I'm dying."
Kathy immediately rushed Herve to the Medical Center of North Hollywood. At 3:40 in the afternoon, Herve Villechaize was declared deceased by the attending doctors.
His worsening medical condition forced Herve to see death as a better option than enduring the severe pain. He was 50 years old. Herve's body was cremated and the ashes scattered at sea, off Point Fermin, California.
Ricardo Montalban, his co-star for many years on the cast of Fantasy Island, would issue the following statement upon hearing the news of Herve's death. "I considered his contribution to Fantasy Island one of the keys to the tremendous success that the show enjoyed."
Following are exerpts from Herve's suicide letter: 3 Spt 93
I have to do what's right. At 6 years old I knew there was no place for me. Who believed my (illegible) best friend girl will not call my mom to answer the Q's. I hope she does not hurt. I'm still alive. Please know Kathy has the right of attorney over my health and my belongings belong to Kathy Self including the right to a script and movie and writings, etc. I love you all too much, it's one of just of my problems. Mom! My brothers you didn't exhist to my heart you never care only about yourselves since 1955, you remember??? Kathy did her best, you didn't so she deserves everything.
3am I can't miss with a dum dum bullet - Ha! Ha! Never one knew my pain - for 40 years - or more. Have to do it outside less mess.
Update:
*We received the following update from Kathy Self who was living with Herve at the time of his suicide:
"I am glad that people are still interested in Herve but I found a few things that were quite wrong with your report. Some things are correct and yet you have the details wrong.There is a film in the script stage right now called "My Dinner With Herve" and I an acting as a sort of technical advisor at this stage.
What I found wrong with your report of his death is for one thing, he was not leaning up against the sliding glass patio door when he shot himself. He was across the outside patio from the house, near the brick wall at the back of the yard. He had 2 pillows with him to muffle the sound of the gunshot. He did fire one round through the glass door, I think to wake me up. I was asleep in the media room next to the living room. He often slept in the living room, kneeling and leaning against the couch, so he could breathe clearly, so I slept near there so I could hear him in the night. Anyway, I woke when I heard the sound of the shot and the breaking glass and went outside to find him.
Also he was not the youngest child of Andre and Evelyn Villechaize. He was the second to oldest. Patrick is the oldest, then Herve, then Jean Paul and then Phillippe is the youngest. Only Jean Paul and Phillippe are from Andre Villechaize. He and his older brother were born to his mother ad another father, and she would never tell him who that was. Andre married his mother when Herve was about 2, and adopted both boys, although not legally, and he did give them both his last name. Later Jean Paul was born and then Phillippe, when Herve was about 11.
I believe these were the main mistakes I found in your short story about Herve, I will read it again and if I find something else, I will write and let you know. He was married twice, once to Anne for about 8 years, then to Camille who was a witch from hell and destroyed his life, for maybe 15 months, although he loved her very much. He and Anne stayed friends until his death, but he had not seen Camille for many years. I knew Herve for 14 years and I lived with him the last 4 years of his life. He had no children. Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions. Merry Christmas."
Kathy Self speaks about the audio recording Villechaize made of his death, which is still in police presence:
She believes he made the recording in order to protect her in his death. The audio begins with Herve walking out to the patio saying he has his pillows which he hopes will muffle the sound. He then says what is on his mind, that he loves everyone, and that this is no one's fault. His pain is just too great.
He then proclaims that Kathy Self will know what to do with his estate and that he was leaving everything with her. Then he's heard on the recording saying "now I guess I just pull this." A loud audible gunshot is heard. He moans, then there is a short pause. Then he says "well, I guess I just have to wait." Self is then heard coming outside to his aid and to ask what has happened. "I'm dying." Self is heard saying No, you're not." She leaves to call paramedics.
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Death of Herve Villechaize Discussion Forum
More Herve Villechaize Stuff:
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| The house at 11537 Killion Drive, where Villechaize lived at the time of his death. |
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| Villechaize's long-time partner, Kathy Self, confirms that Villechaize was leaning against this wall (yellow arrow) across the yard from the covered patio when he shot himself, not leaning against the sliding glass door as was originally reported. |
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| The Queen Anne style cottage depicted in the opening sequence of Fantasy Island television show is actually in The Los Angeles County Arboretum. The address is 301 N. Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007. I understand that you can take a tour of the cottage on the grounds. |
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| The cottage is also visible in the background of the Complete First Season DVD cover. |
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| Wailua Falls in Hawaii - Where another portion of the opening sequence to Fantasy Island was filmed. |
Herve Villechaize External Links:
The Los Angeles County Arboretum
The Fantasy Island page over at Wikipedia
The Herve Villechaize page over at Wikipedia
The Complete first season of Fantasy Island on DVD is available here
The Herve page over at IMDB.com
The Herve page over at findadeath.com
HalfBakery.com - where they propose that more people get the image of Hervé Villechaize tattooed upon their bodies. Better known as aTattoo tattoo.
A YouTube page that features a singing Herve.
FAQs
What happened Hervé Villechaize? ›
He had been despondent about health problems, publicist says. Herve Villechaize, who became famous as the elfin Tattoo on the television series “Fantasy Island,” died Saturday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police and friends said. He was 50.
Did Hervé Villechaize and Ricardo Montalbán get along? ›
Hostility on the Set: Ricardo Montalbán and Hervé Villechaize did not get along.
What does Fantasy Island Tattoo say? ›
Whenever a guest arrives on Fantasy Island by plane, Mr. Roarke's diminutive sidekick Tattoo rings a bell and announces in his thick French accent, "De plane! De plane!" And soon, the fantasy begins.
How tall is Hervé Villechaize? ›
Who said The plane, the plane? ›
Servo: "This movie's got more stars than a two-hour episode of 'Fantasy Island. '" The expression "The plane! The plane!"
How many kids did Hervé Villechaize have? ›
He and Anne stayed friends until his death, but he had not seen Camille for many years. I knew Herve for 14 years and I lived with him the last 4 years of his life. He had no children.
What kind of dwarfism did Hervé Villechaize have? ›
Villechaize was of French/European descent. He suffered from proportionate dwarfism. In later years, he insisted on being called a "midget" rather than a "dwarf". His height was 3 feet and 10 inches.
Is Mr Roarke still alive? ›
Montalbán played Mr. Roarke on the television series Fantasy Island (1977–1984).
...
Ricardo Montalbán.
| Ricardo Montalbán KSG |
|---|
| Died | January 14, 2009 (aged 88) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | Mexican, American |
| Occupation | Actor |
7 more rowsRoarke is a demon or Satan, although he's probably not the latter because Satan visits Fantasy Island in one episode. Mr. Roarke could be a wizard, an immortal being, or simply ancient — he alludes to friendships with long-dead historical figures like Cleopatra and Helen of Troy.
Before Mel and Ruby finally leave, she asks Ruby to stay on the island and help her. She explains that the tattoo on her back symbolises that she has been chosen to stay back on the island. Should she do so, she will remain young and healthy forever.
How much did Ricardo Montalbán make per episode of Fantasy Island? ›
Fantasy Island Salary
At the peak of his fame he earned $25,000 per episode of Fantasy Island. That's the same as around $70,000 in today's dollars. In 1983 he demanded to be paid the same as Ricardo Montalban who was earning $40,000 per episode. Unfortunately, ABC responded by firing him from the show.
What was Mr. Roarke first name? ›
Roarke's first name has never been revealed. Someone may have referred to him as Roarke Roarke but that's never been divulged as his true first name.
Are tattoos alive? ›
He was 50. Villechaize, who left behind a note and tape recording saying he was despondent over health problems, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his North Hollywood home, said publicist David Brokaw. The 3-foot-11-inch Villechaize played Tattoo, the comical sidekick to Ricardo Montalban's Mr.
What does Mr. Roarke say in Fantasy Island? ›
Mr. Roarke: I've been helping people realize their fantasies for longer than I care to say. Often, they are painfully unimaginative.
What does Herve mean? ›
Hervé Origin and Meaning
The name Hervé is boy's name of French origin meaning "battle worthy".
Did Tattoo on Fantasy Island have a Tattoo? ›
Roarke had with Tattoo in the original Fantasy Island. In fact, in the first episode of Fantasy Island 2021, it's Elena who utters Tattoo's iconic "The plane! The plane!" catchphrase to evoke the original show's dapper dwarf and bridge its legacy with the reboot.
How did they explain Tattoo leave Fantasy Island? ›
Tattoo was replaced by Mr. Belvedere in the final season. Late in the series, Villechaize grew demanding behind the scenes, asking for more money, and displayed improper behavior on the set. Though he is heavily associated with the show, the actor was kicked off Fantasy Island for the final year.
What did Tattoo call Mr. Roarke? ›
It aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984. The series starred Ricardo Montalbán as the mysterious Mr. Roarke and Hervé Villechaize as his assistant, Tattoo. Guests were granted so-called "fantasies" on the island for a price.
...
| Fantasy Island |
|---|
| Original release | January 14, 1977 – May 19, 1984 |
15 more rowsMalaysia Airlines Flight 370
| Disappearance |
|---|
| Date | 8 March 2014; 8 years, 6 months ago |
| Summary | Inconclusive, some debris found |
| Site | Southern Indian Ocean (presumed) |
| Aircraft |
14 more rowsTattoo signaled the arrival of each week's guests by rushing to the top of a tower to ring a bell and shout his iconic catchphrase, "The plane! The plane!" That's gone, too.
How do you pronounce Hervé Villechaize? ›
How to pronounce Hervé Villechaize (French/France) - YouTube
Where is Fantasy Island filmed? ›
Where did they film Fantasy Island 2021? While the original series relied mainly on Hollywood magic, the revival series demanded something more authentic. The 2021 Fantasy Island series was filmed on location in beautiful Puerto Rico. According to Republic World, locations like Rio Grande, San Juan, and Old St.
Does Mr Roarke get married? ›
Summary: Mr. Roarke marries his longtime love Helena Marsh, knowing that their time together will be very short. Helena has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and her last wish is become Mrs. Roarke.
Who was the main character in Fantasy Island? ›
Fantasy Island
What was Tattoo's last episode on Fantasy Island? ›
When Tattoo has a car accident that results in a serious head injury, Roarke cancels all fantasies till he has recovered.
Is Mr Rorke still alive? ›
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actor Ricardo Montalban, best known as the debonair and mysterious Mr. Roarke on the popular television series “Fantasy Island,” died on Wednesday at the age of 88.
Did Mr. Roarke have a limp? ›
While making the 1951 Gable western “Across the Wide Missouri,” Montalban fell from a horse and injured his spine. The injury caused him to walk with a limp, which he tried to mask during performances.
Has Fantasy Island been Cancelled? ›
We have some bad news for fans hoping to book a trip back to Fantasy Island this summer. Although Fantasy Island season 2 was originally slated to premiere on May 31, 2022, FOX has decided to pull the upcoming second season from its summer slate.
Why was Tattoo fired? ›
Though popular with the public, Villechaize proved a difficult actor on Fantasy Island, where he continually propositioned women and quarreled with the producers. He was eventually fired after demanding a salary on par with that of his co-star Ricardo Montalbán. Villechaize was replaced by Christopher Hewett.
Why did the Tattoo change on Fantasy Island? ›
The fact that Ruby chooses to get that particular tattoo tells Roarke that she's connected to the Island and that the Island wants her to become Roarke's right hand woman. The tattoo transforms at the end into its final state because Ruby's decision to stay means she is now officially part of Fantasy Island.”
Who is the black lady on Fantasy Island? ›
'Fantasy Island' Star Roselyn Sanchez Is Causing a Commotion With Her New Swimsuit Instagram. The Latinx actress definitely took advantage of the beach and sun.
What happened to Mel on Fantasy Island? ›
It would appear that Mel has passed away as his spirit is passing through the island before leaving this plane of existence. When Elena breaks this devastating news to Ruby, she's beside herself with grief and begins crying. After all, she's only got 24 hours with Mel until he fades forever.
Who plays older Ruby on Fantasy Island? ›
Stephanie Berry: Older Ruby, Older Ruby Akuda
Jump to: Photos (2)
Did Ricardo Montalban really play the piano? ›
Who knew that Ricardo Montalbán (1920 - 2009; the actor who played Star Trek's Kahn) could have been a concert pianist? But the evidence in Montalbán's first film, Fiesta, is clear—he was a talented pianist.
How much was Ricardo Montalban worth when he died? ›
Ricardo Montalban Net Worth
| Net Worth: | $10 Million |
|---|
| Date of Birth: | Nov 25, 1920 - Jan 14, 2009 (88 years old) |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Profession: | Actor, Spokesperson, Voice Actor |
1 more rowThe operation left him paralyzed from the waist down.” Watching his films, it was never obvious that Montalban was in pain. He played such convincing roles that no one ever questioned how he was feeling.
What does Roarke call Eve? ›
Her partner, trusty Det. Delia Peabody, calls her “Sir,” while Eve's mysterious billionaire husband, Roarke, calls her “Lieutenant.” Everyone's a little scared of her. But Eve has a heart of gold, and Nora Roberts' (or, in this case, J.D. Robb's) millions of readers know that.
How do you pronounce Mr. Roarke? ›
- Phonetic spelling of Roarke. roarke. r-aw-r-k.
- Meanings for Roarke. Roarke is Eve Dallas's husband. Eve Dallas is a character from J D Robb's detective novels series.
- Examples of in a sentence. Mr. Roarke Tortures His Guests In New Horror Spin On 'Fantasy Island' [Video] ...
- Translations of Roarke. Arabic : رورك Russian : Рорк
In the years after Fantasy Island, her film career took off.
After her season of Fantasy Island, Schaal continued to work in television, with jobs including Happy Days, AfterMASH, The A-Team, and MacGyver in the '80s, and Murder, She Wrote, Friends, The X-Files, and Six Feet Under in the '90s and 2000s.
Who is Ruby on the new Fantasy Island? ›
Kiara Barnes Dives Into Ruby's Character | FANTASY ISLAND
What was the famous saying on Fantasy Island? ›
De plane!", or "The plane! The plane!", is a catchphrase originating from the opening titles of every episode of the U.S. TV series Fantasy Island (1977–1984).
What was the opening line of Fantasy Island? ›
I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island!
Will Fantasy Island be renewed? ›
“Fantasy Island” has been renewed for Season 2 at Fox. A modern reimagining of the original 1970s series, the Fox version takes place at a luxury resort, where literally any fantasy requested by guests is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected.
Did Hervé Villechaize have children? ›
He and Anne stayed friends until his death, but he had not seen Camille for many years. I knew Herve for 14 years and I lived with him the last 4 years of his life. He had no children.
Who is the small man in the man with the golden gun? ›
Hervé Jean-Pierre Villechaize was best known for his two most famous roles – Tattoo, the sidekick to Ricardo Montalban's Mr. Roarke in 'Fantasy Island', and as Nick Nack, diminutive henchman to Christopher Lee's Scaramanga in 'The Man With The Golden Gun'.
What kind of dwarfism did Hervé Villechaize have? ›
Villechaize was of French/European descent. He suffered from proportionate dwarfism. In later years, he insisted on being called a "midget" rather than a "dwarf". His height was 3 feet and 10 inches.
How old was Ricardo Montalbán when he died? ›
He was 88. His death was announced by Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, who represents the Hollywood district where Mr. Montalbán lived and where a theater is named for him, The Associated Press reported.
Are tattoos alive? ›
He was 50. Villechaize, who left behind a note and tape recording saying he was despondent over health problems, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his North Hollywood home, said publicist David Brokaw. The 3-foot-11-inch Villechaize played Tattoo, the comical sidekick to Ricardo Montalban's Mr.
Hervé Villechaize Net Worth
| Net Worth: | $100 Thousand |
|---|
| Date of Birth: | Apr 23, 1943 - Sep 4, 1993 (50 years old) |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 3 ft 9 in (1.168 m) |
| Profession: | Actor |
1 more rowRoarke had with Tattoo in the original Fantasy Island. In fact, in the first episode of Fantasy Island 2021, it's Elena who utters Tattoo's iconic "The plane! The plane!" catchphrase to evoke the original show's dapper dwarf and bridge its legacy with the reboot.
What did Bond do with Nick Nack? ›
Nick Nack hides above the bed, watching as Bond and Goodnight have sex and preparing to throw a knife into Bond, when Goodnight spots him and screams. Bond jumps out of the way just in time, and engages in a whimsical fight with Nick Nack, eventually managing to trap him in a suitcase, which he takes up on deck.
Is Nick Nack The Man with the Golden Gun James Bond still alive? ›
He is best known for his role as the evil henchman Nick Nack in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, and his role as Mr.
...
| Hervé Villechaize |
|---|
| Died | 4 September 1993 (aged 50) North Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Ashes spread into the Pacific Ocean |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1966–1993 |
6 more rowsHervé Villechaize as Nick Nack, Scaramanga's midget manservant and accomplice. Villechaize was later known to television audiences as Tattoo in the series Fantasy Island.
What does Herve mean? ›
Hervé Origin and Meaning
The name Hervé is boy's name of French origin meaning "battle worthy".
How did they explain Tattoo leave Fantasy Island? ›
Tattoo was replaced by Mr. Belvedere in the final season. Late in the series, Villechaize grew demanding behind the scenes, asking for more money, and displayed improper behavior on the set. Though he is heavily associated with the show, the actor was kicked off Fantasy Island for the final year.
Who was the main character in Fantasy Island? ›
Fantasy Island
How old is Mr. Roarke? ›
Roarke on the popular television series “Fantasy Island,” died on Wednesday at the age of 88. Mexican-born Montalban had a long career in Hollywood but found broad fame as the star of ABC's “Fantasy Island” in which he fulfilled the dreams of his guests with the help of his sidekick, Tattoo.
Did Mr. Roarke have a limp? ›
While making the 1951 Gable western “Across the Wide Missouri,” Montalban fell from a horse and injured his spine. The injury caused him to walk with a limp, which he tried to mask during performances.
Montalbán played Mr. Roarke on the television series Fantasy Island (1977–1984).
...
Ricardo Montalbán.
| Ricardo Montalbán KSG |
|---|
| Died | January 14, 2009 (aged 88) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | Mexican, American |
| Occupation | Actor |
7 more rows
Herve Jean Pierre Villechaize was born on April 23, 1943 in Paris, France. His father, a doctor and resistance fighter during the German occupation of France during World War II, noticed early on that something wasn't quite right with his youngest* son. By the time he reached three, Herve was diagnosed with an acute thyroid condition. The malfunctioning organ would leave Herve at a full-grown height of just under 4 ft tall. Several surgeries and specialized medical procedures at Minnesota's Mayo clinic in America would prove extremely painful and unfortunately unsuccessful at correcting his condition.
Fantasy Island
Leaving Fantasy Island would prove to be the push of the first domino in his teetering career. Herve, having blown through his Fantasy Island cash faster than a mouse through cheese, would find himself short of money and big on assets. He would eventually sell his Power Ranch in the Valley and move into a less than reputable rent-house in North Hollywood. His collapsing career and deteriorating health would eventually force Herve to explore a life with the bottle. It was reported that he would often consume two bottles of wine in a single night. While not that unusual for average sized humans, one must remember that Herve tipped the scales at a scant 90 pounds.
In 1993 Herve's luck would turn a bit towards the better. He found work in several TV commercials including a Dunkin Donuts spot that, despite his wishes to distance himself from his Tattoo days, would find him asking for "de plain" "de plain" donut.
In a sitting position, Herve leaned back against the sliding glass patio door*, placed a pillow against his chest, and fired the pistol into the pillow. The bullet would travel through Herve's chest shattering the glass door, pass through a kitchen cabinet, and eventually end up lodged in a wall. The tape recorder caught the sound of Herve co*cking the pistol just before the deadly shots rang out. As he lay slumped against the glass door he mumbled, "it hurts, it hurts...Im dying, I'm dying."
