Dalida, Egyptian-French singer and actress (d. 1987)
Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti (Italian: [joˈlanda kriˈstiːna dʒiʎˈʎɔtti]; 17 January 1933 – 3 May 1987), better known by the stage name of Dalida, was an Egyptian-born Italian-French singer and actress. She was also Miss Egypt in 1954. A polyglot artist, she understands five languages and interprets her songs in eleven languages, namely German, Egyptian Arabic, English, Lebanese Arabic, Spanish, French, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese and Dutch.
First an actress, she made her debut in the film A Glass and a Cigarette by Niazi Mustapha in 1955, shot in the Valley of the Kings, in the tombs of the pharaohs. One year later, having signed with the Barclay record company, Dalida achieved her first success as a singer with Bambino. Following which, she became the most important seller of records in France between 1957 and 1961. She will remain a major artist in this country.
In addition, she enjoyed international success in 1959. Indeed, throughout her career and on several occasions, she ranked in many countries, whether in Europe, Latin America, North America, or still in Asia. Among his greatest sales successes: The day the rain came, Gigi l'amoroso, J'attendrai.
Although she has shot a few films alongside her career as a singer, she effectively reconnects with cinema with The Sixth Day, a film by Youssef Chahine released in 1986. The latter was successful in Egypt. Three million people will mobilize in Shubra on the day of the preview; Dalida having made the trip. Nevertheless, the film will only remain a success of esteem in France.
After several million records sold around the world and various international tours, she decided to end her life on May 3, 1987, tormented by important dramas that marked her life.