Sacha Distel

Sacha Distel

Born: January 29, 1933
Died: July 22, 2004
in Paris, France
Alexandre "Sacha" Distel (29 January 1933 – 22 July 2004) was a French singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor who had hits with a cover version of "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" in 1970, which reached No 10 in the UK Charts, "Scoubidou", and "The Good Life". He was made Chevalier (Knight) of the Légion d'honneur in 1997. He had also scored a hit as a songwriter when Tony Bennett recorded Sacha's song for The Good Life in 1963. It peaked at #18 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and Top 10 on the Easy Listening chart.

Distel was the son of Russian-French emigre Léonide Distel who was born in Odessa (Russian Empire) and French-Jewish pianist Andrée Ventura (1902–1965), born in Constantinople. His uncle was bandleader Ray Ventura. After Ventura settled in Paris with his orchestra Les Collégiens, Distel gave up piano and switched to guitar.

During his career, Distel worked with Kenny Clarke, Jimmy Gourley, Lionel Hampton, Slide Hampton, Bobby Jaspar, Barney Kessel, John Lewis, Pierre Michelot, Bernard Peiffer, Henri Renaud, Fats Sadi, Art Simmons, Martial Solal, René Urtreger, and Barney Wilen.

Distel was involved with actress Brigitte Bardot in 1958, having invited her to his birthday party in Saint-Tropez. The relationship ended in 1959. He married championship Olympic skier Francine Bréaud in 1963. Distel publicly stated that he remained faithful to his wife: "Anything I want in a woman I can get at home."

Distel died of cancer at the age of 71 on 22 July 2004 at his mother in law's home in Rayol-Canadel, near Saint-Tropez, France. In an interview a month after Distel's death, his widow Francine said she knew he had been unfaithful: "I knew it was going to happen and I knew it was going to pass."

Source: Article "Sacha Distel" from Wikipedia in English, licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Movies for Sacha Distel...

Elis & Tom: It Had to be You
Title: Elis & Tom: It Had to be You
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: September 21, 2023
Type: Movie
Elis & Tom is considered one of the most important albums in the history of Brazilian music. Recorded in Los Angeles, in 1974, it was all captured by a team of filmmakers led by director Roberto de Oliveira, who arranged for the duo to meet. The original footage was kept for 45 years until restored and remastered in 2018. The film is also an exciting reunion of the director with the artists and the material he filmed nearly five decades ago.
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L'Âge d'or de la pub
Title: L'Âge d'or de la pub
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: June 2, 2023
Type: Movie
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Sheila, toutes ces vies-là
Title: Sheila, toutes ces vies-là
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: December 24, 2022
Type: Movie
The portrait of a woman who remembers. Sheila tells the story of Sheila, without concessions or evasions. Her childhood, her parents, her beginnings, the rumors, her love affairs, her marriage, her son, her successes, her farewells, her return, her mourning. The journey of an extraordinary popular icon who never stopped fighting. The courage of an artist who never gives up. "Sheila, toutes ces vies-là" is also a journey through time. 60 years of pop music, punctuated by numerous archives, personal films, timeless hits and illustrations by Marc-Antoine Coulon. But also 60 years of fashion, through a legendary wardrobe (her TV show outfits) that Sheila invites us to rediscover.
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Title: Il était une fois Champs-Élysées
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: December 21, 2022
Type: TV
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La TV des 70's : Quand Giscard était président
Title: La TV des 70's : Quand Giscard était président
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: January 7, 2022
Type: Movie
In May 1974, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing became President of the Republic and wanted to bring about a new era of modernity. One of his first decisions was to break up the ORTF with the creation of three new television channels: TF1, Antenne 2 and FR3. Three new public channels but autonomous and competing. It is a race for the audience which is engaged then, and from now on the channels will make the war! This competition will give birth to a real golden age for television programs, with variety shows in the forefront. The stars of the song are going to invade the living rooms of the French for their biggest pleasure. This unedited documentary tells the story of the metamorphosis of this television of the early 1970s, between freedom of tone, scandals, political intrigues and programs that have become mythical.
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Numéro un - Demis Roussos
Title: Numéro un - Demis Roussos
Character: Self
Released: June 24, 2020
Type: Movie
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Title: Star Academy
Character: Self
Released: October 20, 2001
Type: TV
Star Academy is a French reality television show produced by the Dutch company Endemol. It consists of a contest of young singers. It spawned an equally successful show in Quebec called Star Académie. It is broadcast on TF1. At the end of each season, selected contestants would go on tour around France, Morocco, Switzerland, Belgium, Tunisia, and other French-speaking countries.
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Title: Chanter la vie
Character: Self
Released: September 16, 2001
Type: TV
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Title: Vivement dimanche
Character: Self
Released: September 20, 1998
Type: TV
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Title: Fantasy World Cup
Character: Self
Released: June 9, 1998
Type: TV
Comedy show spoofing some of the highlights of the 1998 World Cup in France. Includes interviews with celebrities and famous fans including Bridget Nielsen and John Lydon, as well as send ups of other famous football goals in history, etc. Stars UK comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel in their own lounge room set, along with their mate Statto who provides news headlines on the world cup play.
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A Song for Eurotrash
Title: A Song for Eurotrash
Character: Self - Special Guest
Released: May 12, 1998
Type: Movie
A satirical look at Eurovision featuring cover versions of classic songs.
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Drôle de Noël pour Jérémy
Title: Drôle de Noël pour Jérémy
Character: Self
Released: December 24, 1995
Type: Movie
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Title: The Mrs Merton Show
Character: Self
Released: February 10, 1995
Type: TV
The Mrs Merton Show is a mock chat show starring Caroline Aherne as the elderly host Mrs Merton. It ran from 10 February 1995 to 2 April 1998 and was produced by Granada Television and aired on the BBC. The writers included Aherne, Craig Cash, Dave Gorman and Henry Normal. Prior to TV success, Aherne's Mrs Merton character appeared on Frank Sidebottom's album "5/9/88", then made her TV debut on the 1991 Channel 4 gameshow Remote Control, hosted by Anthony H Wilson. The chat show was followed up by a sitcom, Mrs Merton and Malcolm, based on Mrs Merton and her son Malcolm, who was played by Craig Cash.
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Title: Stars 90
Character: self
Released: September 3, 1990
Type: TV
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Title: Le monde est à vous
Character: Self
Released: February 8, 1987
Type: TV
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Title: Surprise, Surprise
Character: Self
Released: May 6, 1984
Type: TV
Surprise, Surprise is a British television programme originally hosted by Cilla Black and produced by London Weekend Television for ITV. It ran for 14 series from 6 May 1984 to 5 September 1997, after which four annual specials were produced between 1998 to 2001. In 2012, the show returned after a 11-year hiatus. The revived version is produced by ITV Studios and presented by Holly Willoughby. The show is currently in its second series.
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Title: La Chance aux chansons
Character: Self
Released: March 26, 1984
Type: TV
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Title: Champs-Elysées
Character: Self
Released: January 16, 1982
Type: TV
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Title: Three of a Kind
Character: Self
Released: July 1, 1981
Type: TV
Three of a Kind was a British comedy sketch show starring comedians Tracey Ullman, Lenny Henry and David Copperfield. Three series were made by the BBC between 1981 and 1983. The show bolstered the careers of Ullman and Henry, as well as being an outlet for young writers including Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, Ian Hislop and Nick Revell. Ullman and Henry went on to greater success after the show, with Ullman initially launching a brief but successful pop career in 1983 before starring in the ITV sitcom Girls On Top in 1985 and then going on to a high profile career on American television. Henry was given his own BBC series The Lenny Henry Show in 1984 and he remains a semi-regular fixture on British television to this day. Copperfield, however, garnered less success and has been seen relatively little since the series ended.
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Title: Russell Harty
Released: October 28, 1980
Type: TV
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Title: Fan School
Character: Self
Released: January 30, 1977
Type: TV
Host Jacques Martin invites different talented children from various backgrounds to showcase their beautiful voices. The participants entertain and wow the audience with their lovely performances.
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Title: 30 millions d'amis
Character: Self
Released: January 6, 1976
Type: TV
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Title: Numéro un
Character: Self
Released: April 5, 1975
Type: TV
A French variety show.
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Title: Numéro un
Character: Self - Host
Released: April 5, 1975
Type: TV
A French variety show.
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Title: Système 2
Character: Self
Released: January 19, 1975
Type: TV
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Title: Les Rendez-vous du dimanche
Character: Self
Released: January 12, 1975
Type: TV
A talk show presented by Michel Drucker
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Title: Midi Première
Character: Self
Released: January 6, 1975
Type: TV
Midi Première is a French variety show presented by Danièle Gilbert, directed by Jacques Pierre and broadcast from January 6, 1975 until January 1, 1982 on TF1. The program was generally broadcast between 12:15 p.m. and 12:55 p.m., then giving way to the 1:00 p.m. TV news. However, the broadcast schedule could change, depending on the guests, and the setting where the recording of the program was shot. Certain performances by artists who have become cult like the one where Ringo jostles with a demonstrator in interpretation (1977), that of Dalida with the title There is always a song with the soundtrack that does not start, twice, at the right speed (1978), Claude François and his Clodettes, who, in the provinces, are unable to join "the set" in order to interpret his song, the latter being taken by the crowd of delirious fans (summer 1977) . The group Supertramp performed there with the title "Dreamer" on March 8, 1975.
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Title: Musik ist Trumpf
Character: Self
Released: January 2, 1975
Type: TV
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Title: Hätten Sie heut’ Zeit für mich?
Character: Self
Released: June 1, 1972
Type: TV
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Title: Midi trente
Character: Self
Released: March 6, 1972
Type: TV
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Title: Le Grand Échiquier
Character: Self
Released: January 12, 1972
Type: TV
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Title: Anneliese Rothenberger gibt sich die Ehre
Character: Self
Released: December 25, 1971
Type: TV
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Title: Cadet Rousselle
Character: Self
Released: November 4, 1971
Type: TV
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Without Apparent Motive
Title: Without Apparent Motive
Character: Julien Sabirnou
Released: September 15, 1971
Type: Movie
A series of murders is committed in Nice on the French riviera. The commissaire Carella is in charge and tries to find a missing link between all these murders.
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Title: Samedi soir
Character: Self
Released: January 9, 1971
Type: TV
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The Crook
Title: The Crook
Character: Self
Released: November 20, 1970
Type: Movie
A thief known as Simon the Swiss faces up and downs in his criminal profession.
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Title: TV Intim
Character: Self
Released: December 23, 1969
Type: TV
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Title: The Morecambe & Wise Show
Released: September 2, 1968
Type: TV
Long-running BBC variety show presented by Britain's best-loved comedy duo, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Based around irreverent stand-up routines, comedy sketches and comical song and dance numbers involving a stream of beleaguered guests, the series ran for nearly a decade from 1968 to 1977 and included sketches such as 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'The Breakfast Stripper'.
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Spécial Bardot
Title: Spécial Bardot
Character: Self
Released: June 8, 1968
Type: Movie
And the image created the myth... Bardot as a brunette, blonde or redhead. Bardot in thigh-high boots, mini-dress or swimsuit, Bardot in London, at La Madrague or on a Harley... In all her states, BB sings with Gainsbourg and Sacha Distel: "Bonnie and Clyde", "Comic strip", "Mister Sun"... Reichenbach's camera sublimates the icon.
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Title: Starparade
Character: Self
Released: March 14, 1968
Type: TV
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Title: Cilla
Character: Self
Released: January 30, 1968
Type: TV
A mostly live weekly entertainment show starring Cilla Black and her special guests.
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Title: Meine Melodie
Character: Self
Released: May 24, 1965
Type: TV
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The Real Bargain
Title: The Real Bargain
Released: March 9, 1965
Type: Movie
The eccentric Comtesse de Saint-Plâs sells a black Citroën DS to car dealer Paul Souflé. He sells it to the young mathematics teacher Jacques Denzac who is about to marry.
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Title: Dim Dam Dom
Character: Self
Released: March 7, 1965
Type: TV
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Title: Die Drehscheibe
Character: Self
Released: April 1, 1964
Type: TV
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How to Make a French Dish
Title: How to Make a French Dish
Character: Roger
Released: January 29, 1964
Type: Movie
In this romantic drama, a middle-aged gambler tells a casino croupier her life story. The story is told in flashback and chronicles the woman's romantic exploits with men. Though she was involved with many men, only one really touched her heart. He was a bartender who was tragically shot and killed during an attempted robbery. She later marries and has a daughter. Unfortunately she alienates herself from her daughter when she has an affair with her daughter's fiance. Her remorse is short lived. The film jumps back to the present with the woman leaving the casino on the arm of a handsome millionaire.
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Sing, aber spiel nicht mit mir
Title: Sing, aber spiel nicht mit mir
Character: Self
Released: February 22, 1963
Type: Movie
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We Will Go to Deauville
Title: We Will Go to Deauville
Character: Self
Released: December 24, 1962
Type: Movie
Comical adventures of two pairs of friends during their stay in Deauville, Normandy.
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Title: Lieben Sie Show ?
Character: Self
Released: November 24, 1962
Type: TV
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Title: Musik aus Studio B
Character: Self
Released: October 22, 1961
Type: TV
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Title: Treffpunkt Telebar
Character: Self
Released: August 27, 1961
Type: TV
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Zazie dans le Métro
Title: Zazie dans le Métro
Character: Cameo Appearance (uncredited)
Released: October 28, 1960
Type: Movie
A brash and precocious ten-year-old comes to Paris for a whirlwind weekend with her rakish uncle.
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The Delinquents
Title: The Delinquents
Character: Bernard
Released: June 22, 1960
Type: Movie
Jean-Pierre, who has escaped from prison, tries to reintegrate into society with the help of workers at a construction site.
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Title: Discorama
Character: Self
Released: February 4, 1959
Type: TV
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Femmes de Paris
Title: Femmes de Paris
Released: May 17, 1953
Type: Movie
Professor Charles Buisson, astronomer and Nobel Prize winner, has just discovered a nova. He informs the other observatories by telephone. Just as he thinks one of them is calling back, he finds himself on the line with a young woman threatening suicide at the Ruban Bleu cabaret, if her lover hasn't joined her by midnight. Intrigued, the professor decides to go and prevent the unfortunate woman from committing suicide. One of his students, who earns her living as an understudy in a knife act, helps him in his investigation, while the school principal and a policeman suspect him of being a prankster or even of selling drugs. For the scientist, it's an opportunity to discover a world of music-hall that he'd never known before: "I thought I knew the sky chart by heart, but there's one planet that was totally unknown to me: Earth. I'll be back!
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Title: The Liberace Show
Released: May 16, 1952
Type: TV
This is a real treasure for the countless fans of this flamboyant pianist and singer whose talent was almost overshadowed by his glittering stage productions. With his dazzling piano virtuosity and sparkling personality, Liberace endeared himself to millions. Dressed in his exotic suits and with a candelabra always present on the piano, he brought a special magic and charm to everything he played, whether it be the classics or the latest popular song. Here he runs the full gamut... from Chopin to Tin Pan Alley and all in his own unique style.
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Title: The Ed Sullivan Show
Character: Self
Released: June 20, 1948
Type: TV
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.