Mistinguett (1875–1956,) originally Jeanne-Marie Bourgeois, was a celebrated French revue artist, singer, and comedienne noted for her stage personality. She was the highest-paid female entertainer in the world at her time, and a symbol of Paris to millions of tourists and Parisians for over half a century.
Born in the Enghien-les-Bains suburb of Paris, she was given her stage name Mistinguett (“Miss Tinguett”) by friends who thought that ‘Miss’ typified her ‘English’ looks. She made her début in 1895 and reached the height of her success with the French actor and cabaret singer Maurice Chevalier at the Folies Bergère in Paris.
The undisputed star of the Paris revue, Mistinguett was a dance-hall artiste at the Moulin Rouge and the Casino de Paris for the next 30 years. She had a bubbly stage personality and made up for her weak voice by her outstanding versatility and originality in comedy. Her hallmark was her fabulous costumes and large elaborate hats. Her beautiful legs were said to carry the highest insurance in the business.
Mistinguett also distinguished herself as a straight actress in 14 silent movies, including Les Miserables (1913) and Madame Sans-Gêne (1921.) Among her most famous songs are “Mon Homme” (“My Man”) and “J’en ai marre” (“I’ve Had Enough of It.”)
Mistinguett’s memoirs are Toure ma vie (1954; Mistinguett, Queen of the Paris Night; 1954.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Mistinguett
A kiss can be a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point. That’s basic spelling that every woman ought to know.
—Mistinguett
Topics: Kiss
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