Famous French vocalist and actor Jean-Paul Vignon passed away at the age of 89. The multitalented star died on March 22 due to liver cancer at his home in Beverly Hills, California. His family announced the news of his demise, confirmed by THR.
It remains uncertain when he was diagnosed with liver cancer, but his family shared the news of his death to the public recently. The actor celebrated his 89th birthday on January 30.
As a teenager, he was inspired by French singer-songwriters Charles Trenet and Charles Aznavour, as well as American singer Frank Sinatra.
He also starred in two French films, Asphalte and Les Promesses Dangereuses. He secured a deal and went to the United States when he sang on Le Liberté en route.
Vignon debuted at a New York supper club called The Blue Angel. There, he opened a show for young stand-up comic Woody Allen.
Further, Vignon was spotted by Ed Sullivan’s scouts, who signed him for eight appearances on the Sunday Night CBS variety show. There, he sang a duet with Liza Minnelli.
Meanwhile, he also secured a regular guest spot on The Merv Griffin Show. The American viewers instantly loved his European personality and sense of humor.
Vignon made his American movie debut by co-starring with William Holden in The Devil’s Brigade in 1968.
His voice can be heard as the French narrator in 500 Days Of Summer, when Tom, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, decides to go on a date alone after Zoey Deschanel’s character, Summer, breaks up with him. Tom later falls asleep and dreams of a French movie.
Vignon also voiced one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men in the first Shrek movie. His notable acting roles include Andre in Gilmore Girls and Monsieur Lazare in Days of Our Lives.
