What is mistinguette?

Mistinguette (aka Jeanne-Marie Bourgeois) was a popular French singer and actress who rose to fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on April 3, 1875, in Enghien-les-Bains, France, Mistinguette began her career as a dancer and chorus girl at the Folies Bergere in Paris. She quickly became well-known for her comic performances and charming personality, and soon transitioned to singing and acting.

Throughout her career, Mistinguette starred in numerous films and stage productions, and recorded dozens of songs. She was particularly famous for her sensual, yet playful performances, which often featured elaborate costumes and dance routines. Mistinguette was also noted for her business acumen, and was one of the first celebrities to actively brand and market herself through merchandise, such as perfumes and cigarettes.

Mistinguette retired from the stage in the 1950s, but remained a beloved and iconic figure in French entertainment. She passed away on January 5, 1956, in Bougival, France, at the age of 80.