Origins & Early Life

Maurice Auguste Chevalier (French: [mɔʁis ʃəvalje]; 12 September 1888 – 1 January 1972) was a French singer, actor, and entertainer. He is best known for his signature songs, including "Livin' In The Sunlight", "Valentine", "Louise", "Mimi", and "Thank Heaven for Little Girls", and for his films, including The Love Parade, The Big Pond, The Smiling Lieutenant, One Hour with You, and Love Me Tonight. His trademark attire was a boater hat and tuxedo. Chevalier was born in Paris.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He made his name as a star of musical comedy, appearing in public as a singer and dancer at an early age before working in menial jobs as a teenager. In 1909, he became the partner of the biggest female star in France at the time, Fréhel. Although their relationship was brief, she secured him his first major engagement, as a mimic and a singer in l'Alcazar in Marseille, for which he received critical acclaim by French theatre critics. In 1917, he discovered jazz and ragtime and went to London, where he found new success at the Palace Theatre. After this, he toured the United States, where he met the American composers George Gershwin and Irving Berlin and brought the operetta Dédé to Broadway in 1922.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He developed...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr. — Contemporary (Born in 1888) (1888): Pioneering American historian known for social and urban history.
• Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar — Contemporary (Died in 1888) (1888): Second Sultan of Zanzibar, known for building Stone Town's infrastructure.
• Barry Fitzgerald — Contemporary (Born in 1888) (1888): Esteemed Irish actor known for his versatile stage and screen performances.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Contemporary (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alessandro Nivola — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
• Alison Stone (philosopher) — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): British philosopher specializing in feminist and continental European thought.
• Alexander Radishchev — Shared historical date (09-12 · Died) (1802): Pioneering Russian social critic whose work exposed the harsh realities of Tsarist Russia.
• Anne Bracegirdle — Shared historical date (09-12 · Died) (1748): Renowned English actress and soprano, celebrated for her vocal performances.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Shared historical date (01-01 · Born) (1927): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and deeply engaging vocal style.
• Arcadius — Shared historical date (01-01 · Born) (377): Eastern Roman Emperor who ruled from 395 to 408 AD, succeeding Theodosius I.
• 1888 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1888
• September 12 (09-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 12
• 1972 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1972
• January 1 (01-01) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 1