Denise Darcel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Denise Darcel
Darcel in 1949
Born	Denise Billecard (1924-09-08)8 September 1924 Paris, France
Died	23 December 2011(2011-12-23) (aged 87) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress Singer Vaudevillian
Years active	1948–1963
Spouse(s)	William Shaw (m. 1947; div. 19??) Francis Peter Crosby ​ ​ (m. 1950; div. 1951)​ Robert Atkinson (m. 1961; div. 19??) Richard Vance (m. 1972; div. 19??) George Simpson Jr. ​ ​ (m. 1990; died 2003)​
Children	2 sons (Chris and Craig)

Denise Darcel (born Denise Billecard, 8 September 1924 – 23 December 2011) was a French-American actress, singer, and performer. She was known for her roles in Hollywood films and for performing on stage, television, and radio. Her career lasted from 1948 to 1963.

Early Life and Career

Denise Billecard was born in Paris, France, on September 8, 1924. She was one of five daughters in her family. Her father was a baker. Denise went to college and studied at the University of Dijon.

During World War II, Denise had an exciting experience. On VJ Day, which was the day the war ended, she flew in a small plane. Her friend, a pilot named James Helinger Sr., flew the plane. They flew under several bridges along the Seine River in Paris. They even flew under the Eiffel Tower while crowds celebrated below.

Starting in Entertainment

After World War II, Denise became a cabaret singer in Paris. She was also named "The Most Beautiful Girl in France." Hollywood soon noticed her talent. In 1947, Denise moved to the United States. She became an American citizen in 1952.

On Stage and Screen

Denise Darcel started her acting career on the stage in 1950. Her first major play was Pardon Our French, which opened in New York City. She also performed in Vaudeville shows during this time.

Film Roles

Denise Darcel's first important movie role was in Battleground (1949). She then appeared in Tarzan and the Slave Girl (1950) with Lex Barker. She also starred with Robert Taylor in Westward the Women (1952). Another film was Young Man with Ideas (1952) with Glenn Ford.

In 1953, she was in the swimming musical Dangerous When Wet, starring Esther Williams. One of her most famous films was Vera Cruz (1954). In this movie, she played the main female role alongside Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster. Her last film was Seven Women from Hell in 1961.

TV Shows

Denise Darcel appeared on many TV shows in the 1950s. In 1954, she hosted a summer show called Gamble on Love. On this show, she asked questions to married couples. They hoped to win a mink coat as a grand prize.

Later Career and Life

In 1991, Denise Darcel returned to the stage. She played the role of Solange La Fitte in a musical called Follies. This show was performed in Los Angeles. She later played the same role in Houston and Seattle in 1995.

Family Life

Denise Darcel was married several times. Her first husband was William Shaw, an American Army captain. They married in 1947. She later married Robert Atkinson in 1961. They had two sons together, named Christopher and Craig. Her husband George Simpson passed away in 2003.

Music Recordings

Denise Darcel also recorded music. Her album, Banned in Boston, was released in 1958. This album is now available for people to buy online.

Special Awards

In September 2009, Denise Darcel received a special honor. She was given the Cinecon Career Achievement Award in Hollywood. Before the award ceremony, her 1953 film, Flame of Calcutta, was shown. After getting her award, she happily told the audience, "I'm back!"

A famous drag queen named Walter W. Cole chose his stage name, Darcelle XV, in honor of Denise Darcel.

Final Years

Denise Darcel passed away in December 2011. She was 87 years old. Her death followed emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm.

Film and TV Roles

• To the Victor (1948) as Bar Singer (uncredited)
• Thunder in the Pines (1948) as Yvette Cheron
• Battleground (1949) as Denise
• Tarzan and the Slave Girl (1950) as Lola
• Westward the Women (1951) as Fifi Danon
• Young Man with Ideas (1952) as Dorianne Gray
• Dangerous When Wet (1953) as Gigi Mignon
• Flame of Calcutta (1953) as Suzanne Roget
• Vera Cruz (1954) as Countess Marie Duvarre
• Gamble on Love (DuMont game show, 1954; replaced by Ernie Kovacs) as Countess Marie Duvarre
• The Milton Berle Show (1956, TV Series)
• Tightrope! (1960, TV Series) as Terri
• Seven Women from Hell (1961) as Claire Oudry
• Naked City (1962, TV Series) as Madeleine Douvay

Radio Appearances

More TV Appearances

See also

In Spanish: Denise Darcel para niños