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Maurice ChevalierChansonnier and actor
Date of Birth: 12.09.1888
Country:  France |
Content:
Biography of Maurice Chevalier
Maurice Chevalier, a French artist and actor, was born on September 12, 1888, in Paris. He showed musical talent from a young age and began performing in cafes and music halls at the age of 10. From 1909 to 1913, he was part of a duo with artist Mistinguett. From 1912 to 1918, Maurice Chevalier performed in operetta theaters and then embarked on a successful career as a chansonnier on the stage.
Impact of World War I
However, his life took a turn during World War I. He was drafted into the French army, where he was wounded and taken as a prisoner of war. For two years, he was held in a German prisoner-of-war camp, where he learned English. In the late 1920s, Maurice Chevalier gained widespread fame. He performed in the United Kingdom and the United States, participating in Broadway shows. He was always seen on stage wearing his trademark straw hat, combined with a tuxedo and a walking stick.
Career in Film
During the occupation of France from 1940 to 1944, Maurice Chevalier continued to perform in Paris and entertained French prisoners of war in Germany. He also actively appeared in films. His debut in Hollywood took place in 1929 in the musical film "Innocents of Paris." He starred in renowned films such as "Love Parade," "The Smiling Lieutenant," "The Merry Widow," and "Love in the Afternoon." His role in the 1931 musical film "The Smiling Lieutenant" was particularly outstanding, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. In 1958, Maurice Chevalier played the lead role in the musical film "Gigi," based on the play by Anita Loos and the novel by Sidonie Colette. The film broke records for the number of Oscars won and was recognized as one of the most passionate American films in 100 years.
Awards and Legacy
Maurice Chevalier was awarded an Oscar in 1958 for his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema. The same year, he also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award. One of his significant roles was Jacques Paganel in the 1962 film "In Search of the Castaways," based on Jules Verne's famous novel. He also portrayed Antonio in the comedy "Jessica" and Philippe Fontaine in the film "The Fearmakers," based on Ron Gorton's story. In 1968, Maurice Chevalier was honored with a Special Tony Award. Unfortunately, he passed away on January 1, 1972, in Paris. His contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized, and he was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1997 and named a Disney Legend in 2002. His name will forever remain in the history of Hollywood culture, as his star adorns the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Personal Life
Maurice Chevalier's height was 180 centimeters, which added to his charm on screen and on stage. However, besides his career, Maurice had a personal life. His first wife was Yvonne Vallée, a renowned French actress. They married in 1927 but their union lasted only until 1932. Maurice Chevalier then met his second wife, Nita Raya (or Nita Raya), a French film actress, dancer, and singer. They married in 1937 and even performed together in a revue called "Lambeth Walk" at the Casino de Paris in 1938. However, in 1940, Paris was captured by German troops, and Maurice Chevalier and Nita Raya fled with their parents to the free, unoccupied south of France, where they settled in Chevalier's house in Cannes. Maurice Chevalier did everything possible to provide his family with fake documents hiding their Jewish origins.
In 1946, Maurice Chevalier and Nita Raya separated. These remarkable relationships and interactions with Nita Raya and other celebrities, such as Marlene Dietrich, served as the basis for the creation of the musical "Dietrich & Chevalier," which tells the story of their lives and careers.
