Jean-Claude Pascal facts for kids

Jean-Claude Pascal (born Jean-Claude Villeminot on October 24, 1927) was a famous French actor, singer, and writer. He was known for his many roles in films and for winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Luxembourg. He passed away on May 5, 1992.

Early Life and War Hero

Jean-Claude Pascal was born in Paris, France. His family was wealthy and worked in making textiles. His father, Roger Villeminot, passed away when Jean-Claude was very young.

He started school in 1938 and finished in Paris. When he was 17, in 1944, he joined the French Army. He was one of the first French soldiers to enter the city of Strasbourg in November 1944, while the German Army was still leaving. For his bravery, he received a special award called the Croix de Guerre in 1945. This award is given for heroic actions during wartime.

A Star's Journey

After the war, Jean-Claude Pascal studied at the Sorbonne. He then worked in fashion, designing clothes for the famous Christian Dior. While helping with costumes for a play called Don Juan, he discovered his love for acting.

His first movie role was in Le jugement de Dieu (1949). He then appeared in many other films. Some of his notable movies include Die schöne Lügnerin (1959) with Romy Schneider and Angelique and the Sultan (1968) with Michèle Mercier.

Eurovision Success

In 1961, Jean-Claude Pascal represented Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest. He won the competition with his song "Nous les amoureux" ('We the lovers'). The song was about a love that faced difficulties and was not accepted by everyone. However, the lyrics shared a hopeful message that true love would eventually be possible and accepted.

Pascal later shared that the song was about loving someone even when others might not understand or approve. He wanted to show that everyone deserves happiness and joy in love.

He returned to the Eurovision stage in 1981, again representing Luxembourg. This time, he sang "C'est peut-être pas l'Amérique" ('It may not be America'). He finished 11th out of 20 countries.

Jean-Claude Pascal passed away in 1992 at the age of 64.

Discography

• "Lili Marleen" (French and German)
• "Nous les amoureux"
• "C'est peut-être pas l'Amérique"

Filmography

Jean-Claude Pascal acted in many films throughout his career. Here are a few of them:

• Great Man (1951)
• They Were Five (1952)
• Judgement of God (1952)
• The Crimson Curtain (1953)
• Royal Affairs in Versailles (1954)
• Angelique and the Sultan (1968)

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Jacqueline Boyer with "Tom Pillibi"	Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1961	Succeeded by Isabelle Aubret with "Un premier amour"
Preceded by Camillo Felgen with "So laang we's du do bast"	Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest 1961	Succeeded by Camillo Felgen with "Petit bonhomme"
Preceded by Sophie & Magaly with "Papa Pingouin"	Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest 1981	Succeeded by Svetlana with "Cours après le temps"

Images for kids

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  Grave of Jean-Claude Pascal's family in the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris.

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  Jean-Claude Pascal, 1968

See also

In Spanish: Jean-Claude Pascal para niños