ZJ
Photo of Zizi Jeanmaire

Zizi Jeanmaire

Actor
Born April 29, 1924Died July 17, 2020 (96 years)
Zizi Jeanmaire (born Renée Marcelle Jeanmaire; 29 April 1924 – 17 July 2020) was a French ballet dancer, actress and singer. She was the widow of renowned dancer and choreographer Roland Petit. She became famous in the 1950s after playing the title role in the ballet Carmen, produced in London in 1949, and went on to appear in several Hollywood films.

She and Petit had one daughter, Valentine Petit, a dancer and actress.

Jeanmaire is mentioned in the lyrics of the song by Peter Sarstedt, "Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?", in the first line: "You talk like Marlene Dietrich, and you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire / Your clothes are all made by Balmain and there's diamonds and pearls in your hair".

She is also mentioned in the lyrics of the song by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, "Nothing is Sacred", from their album Timeless Flight: "I said: "Zizi Jeanmaire wouldn't take this and neither will we / if they call me Napoleon again I'll be forced to let the lion free".
Movies & Shows on Plex
  • Hans Christian Andersen
Known For
  • Hans Christian Andersen
  • Anything Goes
  • Black Tights
  • Charmants garçons
  • Guinguette

Filmography

1985
That's Dancing! · as From 'hans Christian Andersen' (archive Footage)
1960
Black Tights · as The Gold Digger / Carmen
1959
Guinguette · as Renée Aka Guinguette
1957
Charmants garçons · as Lulu Natier
1956
Folies-Bergère · as Claudie
1956
Anything Goes · as Gaby Duval
1952

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