Zizi Jeanmaire
Zizi Jeanmaire is one of the most recognized French Vedettes of the Silent Generation generation, remembered for a career spanning 78 years.
French ballet dancer and singer
"Her defining career moment was arguably her starring role in Roland Petit's ballet "Carmen" in 1949." — About Zizi Jeanmaire
| Metric | Zizi Jeanmaire | Avg Vedette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 96 | 96 | same |
| Height | 2cm (0'1") | 2cm | same |
| Career length | 78 yrs | ~35 yrs | +43 yrs |
| Based on 1 Vedette profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Zizi Jeanmaire
Did you know that Zizi Jeanmaire's iconic pixie cut, first sported in the 1950s, was so influential it became a major fashion trend, inspiring women globally?
- Her birth name was Renée Marcelle Jeanmaire; 'Zizi' was a childhood nickname given to her by her mother.
- She famously adopted a very short, boyish haircut in 1954, which became her signature look and was widely imitated.
- Yves Saint Laurent designed many of her iconic stage costumes, including for her famous revue 'Zizi Jeanmaire à l'Olympia'.
- Her signature song 'Mon truc en plumes' (My feather thing), written by Serge Gainsbourg, became a massive hit.
- She collaborated with her husband, choreographer Roland Petit, on numerous ballets and revues throughout her career.
Her defining career moment was arguably her starring role in Roland Petit's ballet "Carmen" in 1949. This provocative and sensual interpretation, performed with the Ballets de Paris in London and on Broadway, catapulted her to international stardom and solidified her reputation as a daring and charismatic performer who redefined ballet for a modern audience.
Zizi Jeanmaire's legacy lies in her pioneering fusion of classical ballet technique with the glamour and wit of cabaret and popular entertainment. She broke down artistic barriers, becoming a multifaceted icon who embodied French chic and a rebellious spirit.