Maurice Chevalier

Maurice Chevalier was a multi-talented French celebrity of the 20th century. He was an actor and a cabaret singer who started out on his career as an acrobat. His venture into the world of show business began quite early on as he along with his brother found job as circus acrobat. However, the young Maurice met with an accident that put an end to his career as an acrobat. Since the boy was naturally talented, he started singing. Initially he was not even paid for his work, yet he performed at a café. As luck would have it a member of the local theatre recognized his talent and advised him to join a musical. He got the part and thus began his momentous journey to stardom. Soon he began gaining fame as a mimic and a singer. He got his big break in 1909 when he was paired with Mistinguett, the leading female performer at the Folies-Bergère music hall in Paris. The two formed a partnership which became a popular act in Folies-Bergère. Eventually he tried his hand at acting where too he found success. He became a famous performer not just in his home country but also achieved international fame. He made several short films in France but enlisted in the army during World War I. He was wounded in battle, captured and placed in a POW camp by the Germans. During his time in captivity, the actor learned English from fellow prisoners. After the war, he went back to the entertainment industry around the time sound became part of the industry. Chevalier decided to move to the US to act in Hollywood. In 1929 he landed a role in "The Love Parade" and went on to act in many films. By the late 1930s, he returned to Europe to make several films in both France and England. After World War II interrupted his career, the star only made a comeback after the war ended. He returned to Hollywood in the 1950s much older than when he left. He landed a role in "Gigi" where he sang his signature songs, "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" and "I Remember it Well." In the same year, he bagged a special Oscar. His last contribution to the film industry was singing the 1970s title song for Walt Disney's "The Aristocats." The film was published after Walt Disney had passed in 1966. Maurice Chevalier was one of the most popular and best‐known entertainers from France in his time. He passed away at the age of 83 years old.