Zizi Jeanmaire

Zizi Jeanmaire

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".

Acting

2010

L'Amour Fou
Movie

Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

1985

That's Dancing!
Movie

From 'Hans Christian Andersen' (archive footage)

1972

Le Grand Échiquier
Tv

Self - Main Guest

1961

Black Tights
Movie

The Gold Digger / Carmen

1959

Guinguette
Movie

Renée aka Guinguette

1959

1956

Infos

Full Name
Zizi Jeanmaire
Gender
Female
Date of Birth
4/29/1924
Date of Death
7/17/2020
Also Known As

Renée Marcelle Jeanmaire

Renée Marcelle "Zizi" Jeanmaire