Francis Renault

Francis Renault (born Antonio Auriemma; – May 29, 1955, New York City), also known by the stage name Auriema, was a female impersonator and vaudeville performer who performed in the United States beginning in the 1910s.

Biography Renault was born Antonio Auriemma, and sources differ on whether he was born in Providence, Rhode Island, or Naples, Italy. After his talent as a singer was discovered, he began performing as a soprano singer.

Renault first performed under the name Auriema in Providence, Rhode Island in 1911.

In 1922, Renault shifted from vaudeville to musical revue performance.

In the 1920s, Renault performed in the United States in Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, and Indianapolis, Indiana, among other cities. In the mid 1920s, Irving Berlin Inc and Henry Waterson Inc began to add "featured by Francis Renault" on the covers of their sheet music for songs which Renault had performed.

In the 1930s, Renault put up a billboard of himself in Times Square.

In 1945, Renault performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City in September, October, and November, and again in April 1946.

Fashion Renault became well known for his fashion, At some performances, Renault's outfits were displayed in the theater's lobby, so audience members could view them up close.

Personal life In the early 1920s, Renault fought as a boxer.

He owned a nightclub and speakeasy in Atlantic City, New Jersey, called Club Francis Renault, beginning in 1926.