Maurice Auguste Chevalier ( 12 September 1888 – 1 January 1972 ) was a French singer, actor, and entertainer. Over a career lasting seven decades, he became famous in the Paris music hall scene and later Hollywood. Chevalier, with his signature boater hat and tuxedo, was well-known internationally as somewhat of an emblem of France; his exaggerated accent and demeanor contributed to popular French stereotypes.
He retired from performing in 1968, though continued to make appearances for the last few years of his life. Chevalier’s final recording was the titular song from Disney’s “The Aristocats” in 1970; he died in Paris, aged 83, on 1 January 1972.