Mireille Hartuch facts for kids

Mireille Hartuch (born September 30, 1906 – died December 29, 1996) was a talented French singer, composer, and actress. Most people knew her simply as "Mireille." Using just one name was a popular trend for performers back then.

Mireille's Early Life and Career

Mireille was born in Paris, France. Her parents had moved there from other countries. Her mother, Mathilda, came from Britain and loved music. She taught Mireille to play the piano from a young age.

Mireille's mother always encouraged her to pursue a career in music and acting. When Mireille was only six, she appeared in her first film. She even traveled to Britain for this small role.

As a teenager, Mireille worked in theater. She also started writing her own music. Her songs were inspired by the lively dance halls of Paris.

Becoming a Songwriter

In 1928, Mireille started working with a writer named Jean Nohain. Together, they created many successful songs for years.

Mireille could speak English very well. She spent two years in the United States. She performed on Broadway in New York City. Later, she went to Hollywood to act in movies.

In 1931, she appeared in films like L'aviateur with Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Buster se marie with Buster Keaton. Meanwhile, famous French singers like Maurice Chevalier and Charles Trenet sang her songs. This helped launch her career as a songwriter. Charles Trenet even said Mireille helped bring "swing" music to France!

Life During Wartime

In 1933, Mireille acted in the French film Chourinette. However, her main focus was singing in music halls. In 1937, she married a writer and philosopher named Emmanuel Berl.

A few years later, during World War II, the couple had to go into hiding. They moved to a quiet area in France called Argentat. Mireille was very active in the French Resistance movement there. This group worked secretly against the occupation. She even led the local liberation committee.

After the War and Teaching Young Singers

After the war, Mireille became friends with famous artists like Jean Cocteau and Albert Camus. In the 1950s, her friend Sacha Guitry gave her a great idea. He suggested she open a school for young singers.

This school was called the "Petit Conservatoire de la chanson," which means "Little Conservatory of Song." Mireille used her amazing talents to train new singers.

The Petit Conservatoire had a popular radio show starting in 1955. From 1960 to 1974, it also had a television program. Many young singers who became famous started their careers there. Some of them include Françoise Hardy, Alain Souchon, and Yves Duteil.

Legacy and Later Life

Mireille Hartuch had a long and celebrated career. She composed over six hundred songs! The French government honored her twice for her contributions to French culture.

She continued to perform even when she was older. Mireille lived in Paris for forty years. She passed away in Paris in 1996 at the age of 90. She was buried in the Cimetière du Montparnasse.