The notably gifted, multi-talented actor, chanteur, poet and painter Serge Reggiani was born in Reggio Emilia, a town in northern Italy, in 1922. His father, a highly visible anti-fascist, fled his Mussolini-dictated homeland due to his fervent political activities and emigrated to France in order to protect his family. Serge learned to speak fluent French and developed an interest in athletics, particularly boxing, but went an entirely different route altogether by following in his father's footsteps as a hair stylist. In 1937, his career path changed yet again when he was accepted into the Conservatoire des Arts Cinematographiques. After graduation, he landed a few minor roles in both films and theatre and enrolled at the prestigious Conservatoire National d'Art Dramatique in 1939 wherein he won numerous acting awards. Though he earned a reputation for himself in the Paris theatre world, Reggiani was more interested in movie-making and would thereafter focus his attention toward the big screen. During the filming of _Le carrefour des enfants perdus , the acclaimed Reggiani has nevertheless reached legendary proportions in France and Europe.
Father of Simon Reggiani
He was also a well-known singer.
In the late 1960s, when he was past 45, he started a new career as a singer. As an actor he knew how to "perform" a song, provoking sometimes laughter but mainly emotion. Some of his most famous songs were "Le petit garon", "Il suffirait de presque rien", "Lenfant et lavion", "La java des bombes atomiques" (from Boris Vian ). In his last years he was also known for his paintings and put on exhibitions in French art galleries.
He had five children: with actress Janine Darcey , Stephan Reggiani and Karine Reggiani (born 1951); with Annie Nol , Celia Reggiani (born 1958), Simon Reggiani and Maria Reggiani (born 1963). Stephan, who was also a singer, committed suicide in July 1980 in the family house of Mougins.
Developed a close friendship with Simone Signoret after working with her in the popular Casque dor (1952) that lasted until her death in 1985.
In 1992 Reggianis record label released a set of 8 CDs, providing a complete retrospective of the singers vast career.
All of Reggianis children inherited their fathers artistic talents and have worked in the field of entertainment. Son Simon is a well-known director/writer/actor; daughters Carine and Celia work in music (the former is a singer-turned songwriter, the latter a musician); daughter Maria is a film editor; and grandson Nicolas has followed in the family footsteps as well. Nicolas launched a career as a singer performing songs covered by his late father, Stephen, Serges oldest son.
In 1985 the French government paid tribute to Reggianis singing and acting careers with the prestigious Legion of Honor award.
Buried in the Montparnasse Cemetery, Paris.
Became a naturalized French citizen in 1948.
In the late 1950s, formed the production company Garance Films with actors Betsy Blair and Roger Pigaut (who were a couple at the time).
