Zizi Jeanmaire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zizi Jeanmaire
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Jeanmaire in 1963
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Renée Marcelle Jeanmaire
29 April 1924 Paris, France
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| Died | 17 July 2020 (aged 96) Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland
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| Occupation | Dancer, actress, singer |
| Years active | 1949–1982 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
Renée Marcelle "Zizi" Jeanmaire (born April 29, 1924 – died July 17, 2020) was a famous French ballet dancer, actress, and singer. She became well-known in the 1950s. Zizi was especially famous for her role in the ballet Carmen in 1949. She also appeared in many Hollywood films and big shows in Paris. Zizi Jeanmaire was married to the dancer and choreographer Roland Petit. He created many ballets and shows just for her.
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Zizi Jeanmaire's Amazing Career
Zizi Jeanmaire was born in Paris, France. Her mother's name was Olga Renée, and her father was Marcel Jeanmaire. Zizi once wrote that her mother called her "mon Jésus" when she was little. This nickname later turned into "mon Zizi."
Early Dance Training and First Roles
Zizi met her future husband, Roland Petit, when they were both nine years old. They both trained at the Paris Opéra Ballet. In 1944, she danced in a show called Soirées de la danse. She became a lead dancer for the Nouveau Ballet de Monte Carlo in 1946. She also danced with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo in London in 1947.
Becoming a Star with Carmen
Starting in 1949, Zizi became the main star of the Ballets de Paris. This group was led by Roland Petit. She was known for her strong energy and passion on stage. Her most famous role was Carmen. For this role, she cut her hair very short, like a boy. Many women copied her hairstyle!
The Carmen ballet first opened in London on February 21, 1949. People were amazed by the dance duets Roland Petit created for the lovers. The show was very popular and went on a long tour to Broadway in New York.
Singing, Films, and Family Life
In 1950, Zizi Jeanmaire started singing. She performed a song called "Croqueuse de diamants" in one of Petit's shows. This song won a special award called a Grand Prix du disque.
She also went to Hollywood to act in movies. In 1952, she was in the musical film Hans Christian Andersen with Danny Kaye. In 1954, she starred in a Broadway musical called The Girl in Pink Tights.
That same year, she returned to Paris and married Roland Petit. Their daughter, Valentine, was born the next year. Valentine also grew up to be a dancer and actress.
Stage Shows and Fashion Icon
In 1956, Zizi appeared in another film, Anything Goes, with Bing Crosby. But she mostly focused on dancing. She performed in Petit's ballets like La Rose des vents (1958) and Cyrano de Bergerac (1959).
From 1961, Zizi became famous for her shows at the Alhambra Theatre. One of her biggest hits was the song "Mon truc en plumes" (My feather thing). She wore a special dress designed by Yves Saint Laurent. He became her main designer for both stage costumes and everyday clothes. This song, with twelve young men carrying pink feather fans, became her signature performance. Roland Petit created over 60 shows with Zizi.
Zizi Jeanmaire was also a fashion icon. She was often seen at fashion shows, sitting next to other famous people. Vogue magazine later said that Zizi and her friends helped create the celebrity culture we see at fashion week today.
Zizi Jeanmaire passed away in Switzerland on July 17, 2020.
Zizi Jeanmaire's Film Appearances
- Hans Christian Andersen (1952) as Doro
- Anything Goes (1956) as Gaby Duval
- Folies-Bergère (1956) as Claudie
- Charming Boys (1957) as Lulu Natier
- Guinguette (1959) as Renée dit 'Guinguette'
- Black Tights (1961) as The Gold Digger / Carmen
See also
In Spanish: Zizi Jeanmaire para niños
