Career
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 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. 1919 « L"histoire du soldat » from Igor Stravinski 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 « Louisiana Compagnie des Quinze »
1931 «Louisiana Mauvaise Conduite d"après Plaute », Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier
1932-1939 duo « Gilles et Julien », with Julien (Aman Maistre(1903-2001)
1940-1948 duo with Edith Burger,
1948-1975 duo with Albert Urfer
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
1950 « Passage de l"étoile »
1960 « Louisiana Grange aux Roud ».