Suzy Delair


Suzy Delair, born Suzette Pierrette Delaire, was a French actress, dancer, singer, comedian and star of vaudeville.

Early years

Growing up in Montmartre, Delair was the daughter of a father who upholstered expensive cars' interiors, and a seamstress mother. She studied music at La Scala.

Film

Born in Paris, she acted in films directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jean Dréville, Jean Grémillon, Marcel L'Herbier, Christian-Jaque, Marcel Carné, Luchino Visconti, René Clément and Gérard Oury.
In 1947, Delair had a supporting role in The Murder Lives at Number 21, which had its American premiere in New York City. Today's audiences probably know her best as the feminine lead in the Laurel and Hardy comedy Atoll K, filmed in France and released in 1951.

Music

Before Delair began performing in films, she starred in operettas. On 28 February 1948 she sang C'est si bon at the Hotel Negresco during the first Nice Jazz Festival. Louis Armstrong was present and loved the song. On 26 June 1950 he recorded the American version of the song in New York City with Sy Oliver and his orchestra. When it was released, the disc was a worldwide success and the song was then performed by the greatest international singers.

Personal life

For 12 years, Delair was the companion of French film director, producer and screenwriter Henri-Georges Clouzot.

Selected filmography