Maurice Chevalier

Biography

Maurice Auguste Chevalier (September 12, 1888 – January 1, 1972) was a celebrated French actor, singer, and entertainer. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic songs such as "Livin' In The Sunlight," "Valentine," "Louise," "Mimi," and "Thank Heaven for Little Girls," along with his memorable performances in films like The Love Parade, The Big Pond, The Smiling Lieutenant, One Hour with You, and Love Me Tonight. Chevalier was often seen in his signature boater hat and tuxedo.

Born in Paris, Chevalier began his career early, captivating audiences as a singer and dancer before holding various low-wage jobs during his teenage years. In 1909, he became involved with Fréhel, France's top female star at the time, who played a crucial role in launching his career by securing him a significant engagement at l'Alcazar in Marseille, where he garnered admiration from theatre critics. In 1917, he embraced jazz and ragtime music and moved to London, where he achieved further acclaim at the Palace Theatre.

Following this success, Chevalier toured the United States, where he met renowned composers like George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. In 1922, he brought the operetta Dédé to Broadway, marking a pivotal point in his career. He made his American film debut in 1928 with Innocents of Paris and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1930 for his performances in The Love Parade and The Big Pond. After a long hiatus from Hollywood, he returned in 1957 for Love in the Afternoon and starred in Gigi in 1958. During the early 1960s, he appeared in eight films, concluding his cinematic journey in 1970 with a song for Disney's The Aristocats.