Philippe Clay

Chansonnier Philippe Clay emerged as one of the most successful French pop stars of the postwar era, popularizing songs from composers including Charles Aznavour, Boris Vian, and Serge Gainsbourg. Among international audiences, he remains best known for his appearances on film, most notably Jean Renoir's 1954 effort French Cancan and the 1958 Hollywood hit Bell, Book and Candle. Born Philippe Mathevet in Paris on March 7, 1927, he quit school at 16 to fight alongside the resistance during the remaining years of World War II, and upon returning to civilian life he enrolled at t...