- Montand, Yves
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orig. Ivo Liviborn Oct. 13, 1921, Monsummano Alto, Italydied Nov. 9, 1991, Senlis, FranceItalian-born French actor and singer.Raised in Marseille, he was the protégé of the famous chanteuse Edith Piaf in the late 1940s. He married the actress Simone Signoret (1921–85) in 1951. International renown came with his appearance in the film Wages of Fear (1953). In Hollywood he starred opposite Marilyn Monroe in Let's Make Love (1960), and their romantic affair was widely publicized. His later films included Z (1969), Jean de Florette, and Manon of the Spring (both 1987). For most of his life he was known as a supporter of left-wing causes. He enjoyed great success as a singer, especially in France.
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▪ French actororiginal name Ivo Liviborn Oct. 13, 1921, Monsummano Alto, Italydied Nov. 9, 1991, Senlis, Fr.French stage and film actor and popular cabaret singer.Though considered by many to be the quintessence of worldly Gallic charm, Montand was actually born in Italy to Jewish peasants who fled to Marseille when he was two years of age to escape the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. At 18, he was singing in music halls, supplementing his income by working as a longshoreman.In Paris, as the protégé of famous chanteuse Edith Piaf, he appeared in the 1945 motion picture Étoile sans lumière (Star Without Light). He married actress Simone Signoret in 1951. His role in La Salaire de la peur (1953; Wages of Fear) brought him international fame. His autobiography, Du Soleil plein la tête (Sunshine Fills my Mind), was published in 1955, before he gave his most acclaimed performances in La Guerre est finie (1966; The War is Over) and two films by director Costa-Gavras: Z (1968) and L'Aveu (1970; The Confession). His performances in Claude Berri's film adaptations of two novels by Marcel Pagnol—Jean de Florette (1986) and its sequel, Manon des Sources (1986; Manon of the Spring)—were also highly acclaimed.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
