Fifi D’Orsay was an American-Canadian actress known for her performances in films such as “Going Hollywood,” “Nabonga,” and “The Gangster.” Born Yvonne Lussier in Montreal, Quebec, she gained fame as “The French Bombshell” and had a successful career on stage and screen.
Personal and Family Life
Fifi D’Orsay was born on April 16, 1904, in Montreal to a Canadian family. She was married twice, first to Maurice Hill and later to Peter LaRicos, but both marriages ended in divorce. D’Orsay had a notable aunt, Angéline Lussier, who was also in the acting industry. Despite her glamorous image, she never performed outside of North America.
Career Highlights
D’Orsay began her career in New York at the age of 20, where she was mentored by actress Helen Morgan. She earned the nickname “Mademoiselle Fifi” during her time in “The Greenwich Village Follies.” Through the 1930s and 1940s, she became a popular figure in both film and vaudeville. D’Orsay was also one of the early stars to appear on television and performed in the Broadway musical “Follies” in her later years, showcasing her enduring talent.
Death and Legacy
Fifi D’Orsay passed away from cancer on December 2, 1983, in Woodland Hills, California. While she is remembered for her roles and glamorous persona, her legacy is also defined by her contributions to the entertainment industry during its early formative years. Her ability to transition from stage to screen reflects her versatility as a performer.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Nabonga | 1944-01-25 | Marie |
| The Gangster | 1947-11-25 | Mrs. Ostroleng |
| Going Hollywood | 1933-12-22 | Lili Yvonne |
| Delinquent Daughters | 1944-07-15 | Mimi |
| Mr. Lemon Of Orange | 1931-03-22 | Julie La Rue |
| Wonder Bar | 1934-03-31 | Mitzi |
| Women Everywhere | 1930-06-01 | Lili La Fleur |
| The Life of Jimmy Dolan | 1933-06-03 | Budgie |
| The Girl from Calgary | 1932-10-23 | Fifi Follette |
| Hot for Paris | 1929-12-22 | Fifi Dupre |
| They Had to See Paris | 1929-09-18 | Fifi |
| Dixie Jamboree | 1944-08-15 | Yvette |
| Three Legionnaires | 1937-07-10 | Olga |
| Wild and Wonderful | 1964-06-09 | Simone |
| The Stolen Jools | 1931-04-04 | Fifi D’Orsay |
| Women of All Nations | 1931-05-31 | Fifi |
| Piano Mooner | 1942-12-11 | Maid |
| Those Three French Girls | 1930-10-10 | Charmaine |
| Young as You Feel | 1931-08-06 | Fleurette |
| That’s Entertainment, Part II | 1976-05-16 | (archive footage) |
| Submarine Base | 1943-07-20 | Maria Styx |
| The Art of Love | 1965-06-30 | Fanny |
| Assignment to Kill | 1968-05-01 | Mrs. Hennie |
| On the Level | 1930-05-18 | Mimi |
| What a Way to Go! | 1964-07-31 | Baroness |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Woman Witness |
| Bewitched | 1964-09-17 | |
| General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | Simone |
| Pete and Gladys | 1960-09-19 | |
| Adventures in Paradise | 1959-10-05 | Mother Superior |
| Combat! | 1962-10-02 | Mrs. Fouquet |
| Thriller | 1960-09-13 | Toinette |
| Mr. & Mrs. North | 1952-10-03 | |
| This Is Your Life | 1952-10-01 | Self |
| Adventures in Paradise | 1959-10-05 | Wanda |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Mrs. Davis |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1961-12-11 | Self |
| The Lucy Show | 1962-10-01 | Madame Fifi |