12 Facts About Yves Montand

Yves Montand is said to be one of France's greatest 20th-century artists.

Yves Montand grew up in Marseille, where, as a young man, he worked in his sister's beauty salon, as well as later on the docks.

Yves Montand began a career in show business as a music-hall singer.

Yves Montand achieved international recognition as a singer and actor, starring in many films.

Yves Montand is recognised for crooner style songs, with those about Paris becoming instant classics.

Yves Montand was one of the best known performers at Bruno Coquatrix's Paris Olympia music hall, and toured with musicians including Didi Duprat.

The marriage was, by all accounts, fairly harmonious, lasting until her death in 1985, although Yves Montand had a number of well-publicised affairs, notably with American actress Marilyn Monroe, with whom he starred in one of her final films, Let's Make Love.

Yves Montand was the stepfather to Signoret's daughter from her previous marriage, Catherine Allegret.

Yves Montand refused, but the woman persisted even after his death.

Yves Montand supported left-wing causes during the 1950s and 1960s, and attended Communist festivals and meetings.

Signoret and Yves Montand had a home in Autheuil-Authouillet, Normandy, where the main village street is named after him.

Yves Montand finished what he was doing and then he just died.