Jean Villard

Jean Villard, known as Gilles (2 June 1895 in Montreux (Switzerland) – 26 March 1982 in Vevey), originating from Daillens, was a French Swiss multi-talented chansonnier, poet, humorist, comedian, actor, and cabaretist. He was friends with Édith Piaf, Ernest Ansermet, Jacques Brel, Jean Poiret, Michel Serrault and met also with Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz. He gave his last interview in December 1981 at his home, where he confided that "I have always tried my best to be a poet."

One of Lausanne's parks, on the Avenue du Théâtre, now bears his name. He served in the Swiss Army during World War I in Soubey, Jura, recalling that he defended the bridge that crosses the river Doubs.

Roles at the Theatre 1918: L'histoire du soldat by Igor Stravinsky and Charles Ferdinand Ramuz 1920-1930: Several roles at the "Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier" in Paris, directed by Jacques Copeau 1920: Cromedeyre-le-Vieil by Jules Romains, directed by Jacques Copeau, Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier 1930: Plays in « La Compagnie des Quinze » 1931: La Mauvaise Conduite d'après Plaute, Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier

Chansonnier 1932–1939 duo « Gilles et Julien », with A.-M. Julien (Aman Maistre (1903–2001) 1940–1948 duo with Édith Burger, 1948–1975 duo with Albert Urfer

Cabaret owner 1940 : he founded the cabaret « Coup de Soleil » in Lausanne with Edith Burger, an anti-Nazi, resistance, gathering place 1947 : he founded the cabaret « Chez Gilles » in Paris discovers Jacques Brel, then an unknown beginner whom he immediately hired. 1955 : « Chez Gilles » in Lausanne

Some well-known works 1932: Dollar, first « chanson française engagée » of the 20th century 1936: La Belle France the anthem of the French Resistance Popular Front 1940: interpreted by Édith Piaf with Les Compagnons de la chanson 1940: 14 juillet 1948: Le Bonheur 1951: A L'Enseigne de la Fille Sans Cœur interpreted by Édith Piaf 1954: La Venoge 1958: Nos Colonels

Books 1943, « Les Histoires de Gilles » 1954, « Mon demi siècle », Librérie Payot 1960, « La Venoge et autres poèmes » - images by Géa Augsburg, Editions du Verseau et Librairie Payot, Lausanne 1963, « Chansons que tout cela !», (Le meilleur de Gilles », tome I) 1969, « Mon demi siècle et demi », Payot 1971, « Le dernier mot », (Le meilleur de Gilles", tome II) 1978, « Amicalement vôtre, Récits, chansons et souvenir », Editions Pierre-Marcel Favre

Plays at the Théâtre du Jorat Mézières 1950 « Passage de l'étoile » 1960 « La Grange aux Roud »