Gaby Deslys was a French actress who is best known for her performances in Infatuation, My Triumph, and Vera Violetta.
Personal and Family Life
Born Marie-Elise-Gabrielle Caire on November 4, 1881, in Marseille, France, Gaby Deslys was one of five siblings, though three died in infancy. Her mother nurtured her passion for dance, while her father imposed strict rules and sent her to a religious school. At the age of twenty, she began her dance career in Paris, showcasing her curvy figure and captivating charm on stage.
Career Highlights
Gaby achieved great success as a performer, notably at the Moulin Rouge in 1908. She gained fame in New York City after being signed by the Shubert Brothers, starring in musicals like Vera Violetta, where she introduced the popular “Gaby Glide.” Despite declining health, she continued to perform and was known for her extravagant costumes and earning a remarkable $4000 weekly at the height of her career.
Death and Legacy
After undergoing several surgeries due to a throat tumor and suffering from Spanish Influenza, Gaby Deslys tragically passed away on February 11, 1920, from a throat infection at the age of thirty-eight. She was interred at Cimetière Saint-Pierre in Marseille, leaving behind a legacy of glamour and talent that captivated audiences of her time.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | Le Dieu du hasard | Gaby Balmacer |
| 1918 | Infatuation | Flora Nys |
| 1916 | La remplaçante | Short |
| 1915 | Rosy Rapture | Rosy Rapture |
| 1915 | My Triumph | Gaby |