Caroline Simonds

Caroline Simonds founded Le Rire Médecin in Paris in 1991. Beginning with two performers, the organization now has 160 red noses and counting. It was the first company of its kind in Europe, and the movement it started has since spread across the continent, and the world.She stepped back from running the company last year but still performs in hospital wards five or six times a month. She has published and spoken widely on the profession, and a feature film, Sur un fil, released two years ago, was inspired by her book Le Rire Médecin - Journal du docteur Girafe that she co-authored with Bernie Warren.What follows is a transcript, of a conversation that took place on August 20, 2026 between Caroline and myself. It has been lightly edited for clarity.John AlexanderSo I discovered that you studied composition with Betsy Jolas.Caroline SimondsYeah, a long time ago.John AlexanderAnd I was a student of Iannis Xenakis.Caroline SimondsOh, no shit. Are you kidding? Also in Paris?John…