Mistinguett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mistinguett
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Mistinguett by Paul Nadar (son of Nadar)
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Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois
5 April 1873 Enghien-les-Bains, Île-de-France, French Third Republic
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| Died | 5 January 1956 (aged 82) Bougival, Île-de-France, French Fourth Republic
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Mistinguett (born Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois; 5 April 1873 – 5 January 1956) was a famous French actress and singer. She was once the highest-paid female performer in the entire world!
Contents
Early Life and Dreams
Jeanne Bourgeois was born in Enghien-les-Bains, France. Her father, Antoine Bourgeois, was a day-labourer. Her mother, Jeannette Debrée, was a seamstress. Her family later moved to Soisy-sous-Montmorency. Her parents then worked as mattress-makers.
From a young age, Jeanne dreamed of becoming an entertainer. She started by selling flowers in a restaurant in her hometown. While selling flowers, she would sing popular songs.
Becoming a Star
Jeanne began her career as an entertainer in 1885. She took classes in theatre and singing. One day, on a train to Paris, she met Saint-Marcel. He was the director of the show at the Casino de Paris. He hired her as a stage-hand.
This was her chance to become a performer. She tried out different stage names. She was first Miss Helyett, then Miss Tinguette, then Mistinguette. Finally, she settled on just Mistinguett.
Advice for Success
In the 1880s, Mistinguett asked her neighbor, Anna Thibaud, for advice. Thibaud told her, "To succeed in the theatre... you must be pretty. You must excite men." Mistinguett asked if she meant exciting the crowds. Thibaud repeated, "No, the men!"
Rise to Fame
Mistinguett made her first big appearance at the Casino de Paris in 1895. She then performed at famous places like the Folies Bergère and the Moulin Rouge. She became the most popular French entertainer of her time. She was known for her exciting performances.
She was also the highest-paid female entertainer in the world. Her legs were so famous that in 1919, they were insured for 500,000 French Francs!
Personal Life
Mistinguett never got married. She had a son named Leopoldo João de Lima e Silva. He was born in 1901. His father was a Brazilian diplomat. Mistinguett also had a long relationship with the singer Maurice Chevalier. He was 13 years younger than her.
Her Signature Song
In 1916, she first recorded her most famous song, "Mon Homme". This song became very popular. It was later known as "My Man" in English. Many famous singers, including Fanny Brice, have sung it. It is now a classic song.
Explaining Her Popularity
During a tour in the United States, Time magazine asked Mistinguett about her popularity. She said, "It is a kind of magnetism. I say 'Come closer' and draw them to me."
Later Years and Legacy
Mistinguett passed away in Bougival, France, when she was 82 years old. Her son and a doctor were with her. She is buried in the Cimetière Enghien-les-Bains, France.
Images for kids
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Mistinguett poster, 1911
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Mistinguett in the United States in 1924
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Poster Mistinguett Moulin Rouge, by Charles Gesmar, 1926
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Mistinguett and Josephine Baker in 1927
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Mistinguett in her Chrysler, Deauville, France, 1929
See also
In Spanish: Mistinguett para niños
