Famed French vocalist Jean-Paul Vignon, who also had a flourishing career as an actor, has died. He was 89.
Variety and The Hollywood Reporter reported Vignon's death, citing his family announcement. The news outlets said the "What Now My Love" singer reportedly died on March 22.
Jean-Paul Vignon's Cause of Death Confirmed
According to the reports, Vignon died in Beverly Hills after his battle with liver cancer. It was not disclosed when he was diagnosed with the disease, but the news about his passing was only publicized recently.
His death occurred two months after he celebrated his 89th birthday.
Vignon started his career as a musician in France. Among his early works were performances at a cabaret in Paris.
From there, he also became an actor and starred in the French films Asphalte and Les Promesses Dangereuses before signing with Disques Vogue as a vocalist.
As soon as he secured the deal, Vignon recorded "Djibouti" and expanded his empire by going to the U.S.
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Jean-Paul Vignon's Career Explored
After moving to the U.S., Vignon began appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, where he performed alongside Liza Minnelli. He also appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin's daytime show.
In 1964, he released his first U.S. album, Because I Love You, after signing to Columbia Records. He then appeared in the film The Devil's Brigade with Cliff Robertson and William Holden.
"Vignon fulfilled the American image of the romantic, singing Frenchman. Ironically, rather than compare his voice to such renowned Gallic crooners as Maurice Chevalier and Gilbert Bécaud, Vignon says that he has a Bobby Darin kind of voice, able to sing fast and passionate or gentle and slow," his 1994 profile in Los Angeles Times read.
In the years thereafter, Vignon continuously performed across the U.S., serenading his fans in Los Angeles, Miami, New York and other cities.
At one point, he recorded a single, "You," with Farrah Fawcett.
Vigno wrote and released his memoir, From Ethiopia to Utopia, where he opened up about moving from his home country to the U.S.
In the acting industry, he collected titles under his belt, including 500 Days of Summer, L.A. Law, Columbo, Days of Our Lives, The Rockford Files and Gilmore Girls.
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