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Suzy Delair

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Suzy Delair
Delair in 1950
Born
Suzette Pierrette Delaire

(1917-12-31)December 31, 1917
Paris, France
DiedMarch 15, 2020(2020-03-15) (aged 102)
Paris, France
Occupation(s)Actress, dancer and singer
Years active1931–1987
PartnerHenri-Georges Clouzot

Suzy Delair (born Suzette Pierrette Delaire;[1][2] December 31, 1917 – March 15, 2020) was a French actress, dancer, singer, comedian and star of vaudeville.[3]

Early years

Growing up in Montmartre, Delair was the daughter of a father who upholstered expensive cars' interiors, and a seamstress mother. She studied music at La Scala.[4]

Film

Born in Paris, she acted in films directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jean Dréville, Jean Grémillon, Marcel L'Herbier, Christian-Jaque, Marcel Carné, Luchino Visconti, René Clément and Gérard Oury.[citation needed]

In 1947, Delair had a supporting role in The Murder Lives at Number 21, which had its American premiere in New York City.[5] Today's audiences probably know her best as the feminine lead in the Laurel and Hardy comedy Atoll K (also known as Utopia), filmed in France and released in 1951.[2]

Music

Before Delair began performing in films, she starred in operettas.[4] On 28 February 1948 she sang C'est si bon at the Hotel Negresco during the first Nice Jazz Festival. Louis Armstrong was present and loved the song. On 26 June 1950 he recorded the American version of the song (English lyrics by Jerry Seelen) in New York City with Sy Oliver and his orchestra. When it was released, the disc was a worldwide success and the song was then performed by the greatest international singers.

Personal life

For 12 years, Delair was the companion of French film director, producer and screenwriter Henri-Georges Clouzot.[4]

Selected filmography

References

  1. ^ "French movie star Suzy Delair dies". Texarkana Gazette. New York Times News Service. March 21, 2020. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Bartlett, Rhett (March 16, 2020). "Suzy Delair, French Actress and Chanteuse, Dies at 102". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  3. ^ Diaconescu, Sorina (January 17, 2003). "Fired by passion for 85 years". The Los Angeles Times. p. E 1. Retrieved July 28, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b c "A character who hits close to home". The Los Angeles Times. January 17, 2003. p. E 7. Retrieved July 28, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "'Murder Lives at 21' Coming Here Aug. 16". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. New York, Brooklyn. August 8, 1947. p. 4. Retrieved January 19, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
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