Maurice Chevalier

NAME Maurice Auguste Chevalier

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Maurice Chevalier was a renowned French singer, actor, and entertainer. He was known for his charming personality, distinctive voice, and popular songs like "Thank Heaven for Little Girls," and "Isn't It Romantic."

BIRTH Born on September 12, 1888, in Ménilmontant, Paris, France.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Maurice Chevalier came from a working-class family. His mother, Josephine, was deeply devoted to raising Maurice and his brother Paul after his father, a house painter, left them. They lived in poverty in the Ménilmontant district of Paris.

CHILDHOOD Chevalier had a tough childhood. At the age of ten, he left school determined to become an acrobat. A serious injury ended that dream, and he had to find other work. His youth was marked by various jobs, including work as a carpenter’s apprentice, electrician, and doll painter, before he found his passion for performing.

EDUCATION Chevalier’s formal education ended when he left school at the age of ten. His knowledge and skills were largely self-taught, and his eventual fluency in English came from his time as a prisoner of war during World War I.

CAREER RECORD His career began after a chance encounter with a café owner in 1900, leading to his first performance. Despite initial setbacks, Chevalier gained fame as a singer and mimic. His break came in the early 1900s, with performances at the Casino de Paris. 

Chevalier became a star of French music halls and later achieved international fame in Hollywood, starring in films and becoming known for his romantic, debonair persona.

APPEARANCE Maurice Chevalier was known for his charming smile, twinkling eyes, and his instantly recognizable boater hat. He stood out for his debonair and relaxed presence on stage, adding to his signature appeal as the quintessential French entertainer.

Chevalier, early 1930s

FASHION Chevalier was known for his timeless and elegant fashion sense, particularly his straw boater hat, bow tie, and well-tailored suits, which became his iconic look.

CHARACTER Chevalier was known for his charm, wit, and optimism. He was also known for his flirtatious and playful personality. Despite his upbeat persona on stage privately he suffered from bouts of depression throughout his life.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Maurice Chevalier's sense of humor was characterized by a blend of charm, wit, and playful self-deprecation. One example can be drawn from his interactions with co-stars, particularly Jeanette MacDonald. He humorously referred to her as the "Iron Butterfly," which she found amusing, despite his initial belief that she lacked a sense of humor. This playful banter highlights his ability to mix light-hearted teasing with genuine affection.

Additionally, Chevalier's quotes reflect his humorous outlook on life. For instance, he famously remarked, "Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative," showcasing his ability to find levity in the aging process.

His performances often included double entendres and cheeky lyrics, which contributed to the light-hearted and flirtatious atmosphere of his musical films, making him a beloved figure in musical comedy during his era

RELATIONSHIPS Chevalier’s relationships were highly publicized. His early liaison with Fréhel, one of France's biggest stars, ended due to her struggles with addiction. He later had a public romance with Mistinguett, with whom he shared the stage at the Folies Bergère. These relationships helped cement his status in French entertainment.

Maurice Chevalier was married once to Yvonne Vallée, a French actress and dancer. They wed on October 10, 1927, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1935, citing incompatibility as the reason for their separation. After his divorce, Chevalier did not remarry but had several significant relationships throughout his life, including one with actress Nita Raya.

Yvonne Vallée and Maurice Chevalier in The Little Cafe (1931) 

MONEY AND FAME Chevalier rose from poverty to wealth, becoming one of the most famous entertainers in the world. His international fame earned him substantial wealth, though he was often criticized for his material success, particularly during politically sensitive times.

FOOD AND DRINK Chevalier was known to enjoy good food and wine. He was often seen at luxurious restaurants and wine bars.

A recipe attributed to him for French Onion Soup, which reflects classic French cuisine. This dish is often associated with comfort and traditional French cooking, indicating that Chevalier likely enjoyed hearty and flavorful meals typical of his cultural background.

A vintage poster from 1934 features Chevalier promoting cherry brandy, suggests that he may have had an affinity for this particular drink, which aligns with the French tradition of enjoying fruit-based liqueurs

 His relationship with alcohol was likely complicated by his time with Fréhel, but there is no extensive record of his indulgence.

MUSIC AND ARTS Music and performance were central to his life. His singing style, influenced by French chanson, jazz, and ragtime, made him an international star. He embraced American jazz during his career and performed with a distinctive French charm that captivated audiences worldwide.

Maurice Chevalier, a name synonymous with Parisian charm and musical flair, was born in the City of Lights. His early life was a tapestry woven with threads of musical comedy and menial jobs. He shared the stage with the biggest female star in France at the time, Fréhel, who served as his mentor and secured him a significant engagement in Marseille.

Chevalier's love affair with jazz and ragtime led him across the Channel to London, where he found renewed success. But his journey didn't stop there. He ventured across the Atlantic, meeting American musical luminaries like George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, and even bringing his operetta Dédé to Broadway.

His talent wasn't confined to music. Chevalier discovered a knack for acting and quickly made a name for himself on the silver screen. The advent of talkies provided the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his American accent and charm, leading to Academy Award nominations and iconic hits like "You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me."

After a hiatus, Chevalier returned to Hollywood with a bang, starring in films like Love in the Afternoon and Gigi. He continued to delight audiences well into his seventies, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. His final contribution was the title song for Disney's The Aristocats, a fitting end to a remarkable career that brought French flair to the world.

LITERATURE Chevalier was not known to be a voracious reader, but he did enjoy reading plays and scripts. His work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling through song and performance. His life story itself became the subject of various biographies.

NATURE Maurice Chevalier had a fondness for nature and enjoyed spending time in the countryside and seaside, particularly during tumultuous periods in his life. For instance, during World War II, he moved to the Dordogne region in rural France to escape the dangers posed by the Nazi occupation. This area provided a peaceful retreat for him and his family, allowing them to live away from the chaos of war.

Additionally, Chevalier and his entourage often spent time at his villa in La Bocca, near Cannes, which was situated in a more tranquil part of France during the war. This location allowed him to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle amidst the scenic beauty of the French Riviera. His affinity for nature and the countryside reflects a desire for solace and respite from the pressures of his public life and the surrounding conflicts.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS In his youth, Chevalier had a brief stint as a sparring partner to French heavyweight boxing champion Georges Carpentier. Though his boxing career was short-lived, it was an early connection to physical activity.

Chevalier was known to be an avid golfer. He enjoyed the sport and often played during his leisure time, which allowed him to relax and socialize away from the pressures of show business.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY There is little record of Chevalier’s involvement in philosophical or theological pursuits. He did, however, grapple with personal issues like depression, hinting at a deeper, more reflective side.

POLITICS Chevalier was politically controversial during World War II. He was accused of collaborating with the German occupation forces, a claim he denied. Despite these accusations, he was cleared of collaboration after the war.

SCANDAL The biggest scandal of Chevalier’s life occurred during World War II when he was accused of collaborating with Nazi Germany. Though he managed to clear his name, this episode cast a shadow over his reputation for some time.

MILITARY RECORD During World War I, Chevalier was drafted into the French army and served on the front lines. He was wounded by shrapnel early in the war and captured by the Germans, spending two years as a prisoner of war. His experience left a lasting impact, but he used the time to learn English, which helped his career afterward.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Chevalier suffered from bouts of depression and, later in life, his physical health deteriorated. In 1971, he attempted suicide, leading to kidney and liver damage. His health continued to decline, and he died on January 1, 1972, from a cardiac arrest following kidney surgery.

HOMES Throughout his life, Chevalier lived in several homes, primarily in Paris and its surrounding areas. He eventually settled in La Bocca, near Cannes, during World War II.

TRAVEL Chevalier’s career took him around the world. He performed in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom, making him one of the few French performers to achieve true international stardom.

Chevalier enjoyed traveling, especially to the countryside and seaside, which provided him with opportunities to unwind and enjoy nature. His time spent in places like La Bocca near Cannes during World War II exemplifies his appreciation for beautiful landscapes.

DEATH Maurice Chevalier died on January 1, 1972, at the age of 83, following complications from kidney surgery. He was interred in Marnes-la-Coquette, outside Paris, where he rests beside his mother.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Chevalier appeared in numerous films, both in France and Hollywood. His notable works include The Love Parade (1929), Gigi (1958), and Can-Can (1960). He is also remembered for his distinctive voice in film soundtracks, such as "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" in Gigi.

ACHIEVEMENTS Chevalier is celebrated as one of France’s most famous entertainers. He received an Honorary Academy Award in 1959 for his contributions to cinema and remained a beloved figure in both French and international entertainment until his death.