Hildegarde was an American singer and actress, best known for her signature song “Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup,” as well as her engaging performances in cabarets and television shows. Born as Hildegarde Loretta Sell on February 1, 1906, she became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, earning the nickname “The Incomparable Hildegarde.”
Personal and Family Life
Hildegarde was born in Adell, Wisconsin, to German immigrant parents. Even though she grew up in America, she spoke with a slight German accent. She had a long-time companion, songwriter Anna Sosenko, who composed her famous signature tune. Throughout her life, Hildegarde maintained a strong connection to her roots, and her heritage influenced her musical style and performances.
Career Highlights
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Hildegarde was extremely popular, performing in cabarets and supper clubs for over 45 weeks a year. She gained significant recognition after being featured on the cover of Life magazine in 1939, and her recordings sold in the hundreds of thousands. Besides her successful singing career, she also appeared in various television specials and toured in the musical “Follies.”
Death and Legacy
Hildegarde passed away on July 29, 2005, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy in the entertainment world. She was known for her elegant style, including her signature long white gloves. Through her performances and charm, she inspired many other entertainers and became a beloved figure in American music history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Steve Allen Show | 1956-06-24 | Self – Singer |
| Person to Person | 1953-10-02 | |
| The Dinah Shore Chevy Show | 1956-10-05 | Self |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |