Quebec actress and comedian Catherine Bégin died Sunday night following a short illness. She was 74.

The news was confirmed by her agent, Ginette Achim, who said the theatre world had experienced a major loss with Bégin's passing.

Achim said Bégin was an exceptional and exquisite woman, adding that the actress gave back to younger generations by teaching them stage arts.

Known for her dramatic roles, Bégin played roles in a number of Quebec-made theatre, television and cinematic productions.

In recent years, she appeared in Xavier Dolan's Laurence Anyways (2012), Martyrs (2008), La secret de ma mère (2006) and Stardom (2000).