Yves Montand ( in French) (October 13, 1921 – November 9, 1991) was a Italian-born French actor and singer. Biography Early life Montand was born Ivo Livi in Monsummano Terme, Italy to Josephine and Giovanni, poor peasants. Montand's family left Italy for France. Montand grew up in Marseille, where as a young man he worked in his sister's barber shop, and later on the docks. He began a career in show business as a music-hall singer. In 1944 he was discovered by Édith Piaf in Paris and she made him part of her act, becoming his mentor and lover. Career He went on to international recognition as a singer and actor, starring in numerous films. His songs about Paris became instant classics. In 1951 he married the actress Simone Signoret, and they co-starred in several films throughout their careers. The marriage was, by all accounts, fairly harmonious, lasting until he