Born in Paris, France on April 29, 1924, Renée Marcelle ‘Zizi’ Jeanmaire was a ballet dancer, actress and singer. The multi-talented artist initially became famous in 1949 for her lead role in the ballet Carmen, which premiered in London. In the 1950s, she appeared in several motion pictures, Paris revues, and remained busy until the early 2000s. She became an iconic figure in France, influencing fashion, hairstyles, and music. Jeanmaire’s main collaborator was her husband, Roland Petit, who created many of her best loved ballets and revues. Although she appeared in several well-known films – including Hans Christian Anderson (1952) and Anything Goes (1956) – her live performances on Broadway and on Paris stages are what she is best-known for. As a recording artist, she appeared on soundtracks to her films and Broadway performances including The Girl in Pink Tights (1954), Irma la Douce (1956), and Anything Goes (1956). She then recorded albums with Michel Legrand including Zizi à L'Alhambra (1957) and Zizi Jeanmaire Sings with Michel Legrand (1958). She continued to be one of France’s most beloved performers, releasing a series of albums including Zizi (1968), Zizi Je T’Aime (1972), Hollywood Paradise (1984), and Zizi Au Zénith (1995), an album that included Jeanmaire’s interpretations of songs by Serge Gainsbourg. Jeanmaire’s husband Roland Petit passed away in 2011. Zizi Jeanmaire died at the age of 96 on July 17, 2020 in Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland.
