Maurice Chevalier Quotes

Powerful Maurice Chevalier for Daily Growth

About Maurice Chevalier

Maurice Chevalier (September 12, 1888 – January 1, 1972) was a French singer, actor, and comedian, renowned as one of the most influential entertainers in the history of French show business. Born in Paris, Chevalier's career spanned over six decades, making him an iconic figure of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Chevalier's passion for music and comedy was ignited at a young age when he worked as a street vendor selling flowers to support his family. He honed his skills in cabarets and music halls around Paris, eventually landing a role in the famous Folies Bergère. His breakthrough came with the song "Valentine" in 1918, which catapulted him to stardom across France. In the 1920s, Chevalier ventured into cinema, quickly becoming a heartthrob on both sides of the Atlantic. He starred in numerous silent films before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. His first American film was "The Love Parade" (1929), which marked his collaboration with director Ernst Lubitsch and cemented his status as an international star. Chevalier's charm and charisma made him a favorite on Broadway, where he appeared in productions like "The Vagabond Lover" (1927) and "French Blue" (1930). His most successful role on Broadway was as the title character in "Irma la Douce" (1956), which earned him a Tony Award. Throughout his career, Chevalier's repertoire included over 2,000 songs, many of which he composed himself. His most famous song is probably "Louise," which became an instant classic after its debut in the film "The Love Parade." He was also known for his distinctive style of speaking English phonetically with a French accent, a trait that endeared him to audiences worldwide. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife and daughter, Chevalier's career flourished. He continued performing until his death in 1972. His legacy lives on through his timeless music and enduring performances, making Maurice Chevalier a symbol of French elegance and wit for generations to come.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Love means not ever having to say you're sorry."

Maurice Chevalier's quote suggests a deep, unwavering commitment in love where apologies are unnecessary. It implies that such a love transcends petty misunderstandings or errors, as both partners understand and respect each other deeply enough to forgive easily and move on swiftly without the need for verbal acknowledgement of regret. This quote is often used to describe a love that is strong, stable, and free from constant bickering.


"The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive."

This quote suggests that the most valuable and fulfilling aspects of life, such as love, happiness, friendships, or personal growth, cannot be bought with money. They are 'free'. However, when it comes to material possessions, experiences, or luxury items that may provide temporary joy but do not enrich one's soul, these often come at a high cost, making them "very expensive." It emphasizes that while money can purchase some pleasures in life, true happiness and fulfillment cannot be bought.


"I don't care what is said about me, as long as it isn't true."

This quote by Maurice Chevalier suggests a person who does not care about negative opinions or criticisms that are untrue or baseless. Essentially, he doesn't worry about what others say if it doesn't align with reality or truth. The phrase can be seen as an expression of indifference towards gossip and malicious falsehoods. On a broader level, the quote reflects a certain degree of self-assurance and resilience in one's personal character.


"You fun the music and I'll supply the rhythms."

This quote suggests a division of labor, with Maurice Chevalier implying that he will bring energy, emotion, and spontaneity (the "rhythms") to a situation or performance, while someone else (presumably a musical accompanist) provides the structure, melody, and direction ("fun the music"). It highlights the idea of collaboration, where each party brings their unique skills and talents to create something greater together.


"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."

This quote by Maurice Chevalier emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and expectations in life. By being unwilling to settle for anything less than the best, one is more likely to achieve it. This idea encourages persistence and the pursuit of excellence, suggesting that one's mindset and attitude can have a profound impact on their outcomes. It implies that if you hold yourself to a high standard and refuse to compromise your values or accept subpar results, you will be drawn towards opportunities and experiences that are truly exceptional.


It is always the same: women bedeck themselves with jewels and furs, and men with wit and quotations.

- Maurice Chevalier

Relationship, Always, Same, Quotations

If you wait for the perfect moment when all is safe and assured, it may never arrive. Mountains will not be climbed, races won, or lasting happiness achieved.

- Maurice Chevalier

Happiness, Mountains, Wait, Climbed

An artist carries on throughout his life a mysterious, uninterrupted conversation with his public.

- Maurice Chevalier

Art, Carries, His, Conversation

The French are true romantics. They feel the only difference between a man of forty and one of seventy is thirty years of experience.

- Maurice Chevalier

Seventy, Only Difference, French

A comfortable old age is the reward of a well-spent youth. Instead of its bringing sad and melancholy prospects of decay, it would give us hopes of eternal youth in a better world.

- Maurice Chevalier

Age, Reward, Give, Melancholy

You don't stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.

- Maurice Chevalier

Age, Grow, Stop, Laughing

The older one gets the more one comes to resemble oneself.

- Maurice Chevalier

More, Older, Gets, Resemble

Many a man has fallen in love with a girl in a light so dim he would not have chosen a suit by it.

- Maurice Chevalier

Love, Fallen, Would, Chosen

Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative.

- Maurice Chevalier

Bad, Old, Consider, Alternative

The crime of loving is forgetting.

- Maurice Chevalier

Love, Loving, Forgetting, Crime

Those whose approval you seek most give you the least.

- Maurice Chevalier

Give, Approval, Most, Whose

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