Wissenswertes

The Jimi Hendrix Experience played their very first gig as support for the French heartthrob at the Paris Olympia in October 1966.

Appeared on Ed Sullivan's TV show on July 1, 1962 with American singing star Connie Francis in a show that was taped at the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris.

Selling over 100 million records in France alone and having 33 number 1 hit singles, he is considered the French equivalent of Elvis Presley.

Adopted two Vietnamese babies named Jade Odette Désirée (b. August 3rd 2004) and Joy (b. July 27th 2008), with wife Laeticia.

Born to a French mother, Huguette Clerc, and a Belgian father, Leon Smet, he became naturalized citizen of France in 1961. In 2006, he started a procedure to receive Belgian citizenship.

A popular singing duo with first wife Sylvie Vartan, they recorded a smash duet, "J'ai un Problème," that became one of France's biggest hits in the early 70s.

A Legion of Honor medal by French President Jacques Chirac was presented to him in 1997, and the following year he gave spectacular concerts to close the World Cup soccer tournament and commemorate France's first championship.

Son David Hallyday (later a singer in his own right) was born in August 1966; not long after, a deeply depressed Hallyday attempted suicide as his rock-and-roll career began to flounder after the British invasion and the rise of politically motivated folk music. After his recovery, he issued the despairing single "Noir, C'est Noir" as a commentary on his near-tragedy.

Played his first-ever UK concert at the Royal Albert Hall at age 69. (Oktober 2012)

Has his look-alike puppet in the French show Les Guignols de l'info (1988).

Shares birthday with soccer player Oliver Kahn, actors Ice Cube and Guy Bedos.

Longtime companion of actress Nathalie Baye from 1982 to 1986, with whom he had a daughter, Laura Smet.

Nephew of actress Ellen Dosset.

In Hong Kong, filming Vengeance - Killer unter sich (2009). (November 2008)

Born at 1:00pm-BDS T

Was raised by his paternal aunt, Hélène Smet ( Namur 1888 - Paris 1972 ) spouse of Jacob Mar and mother in law of Lee Halliday.

Dedicated his song "Laura", composed by Jean-Jacques Goldman, to his daughter Laura Smet (1986).

Uncle of Michael Vartan, by marriage with his ex-wife, Sylvie Vartan.

Very good friends with Mathilde Seigner.

Ex-father-in-law of Estelle Lefébure.

Ex-brother-in-law of Eddie Vartan.

His father Leon acted under the name Jean Michel.

His stage name was borrowed from his cousin's husband Lee Halliday (born Lemoine Gardner Ketcham) who became his mentor and later was a prolific producer.