A French-Canadian actress and singer, known for her performances in early 20th-century theater and music halls, particularly in Montreal. She was a popular entertainer in her time, charming audiences with her voice and stage presence.
Clairette Oddera, a French-Canadian actress and singer, is best known for giving a career break to many up-and-coming entertainers who later became famous. Her iconic nightclub, Chez Clairette, was a launchpad for budding artists, including Robert Charlebois, Claude Dubois, and Diane Dufresne.
Born Claire Franoise Oddera on April 3, 1919, in Marseille, France, she adopted the stage name Clairette at the suggestion of Fernandel. Her career in the entertainment industry began at the age of 20, when she became a waitress in the canteen of a local French film studio owned by writer and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. Pagnol provided her with her first film role in La fille du puisatier in 1939.
During the Second World War, Clairette made three other movies but mostly toured France on stage and in variety shows. Her talents soon expanded to radio, where she became known as a singer. In 1949, she made her first visit to Quebec, which would later become her adopted home.
In 1956, Clairette emigrated to Quebec and opened Chez Clairette, a nightclub that would become a hub for emerging artists. Every Monday afternoon, she held auditions to scout out talent, giving many artists their big break. Her nightclub was not only a platform for performers but also a space where industry professionals like lyricist Luc Plamondon met their future collaborators, such as pianist-composer André Gagnon.
Clairette's contributions to Canadian culture were recognized with official honors for her impact on the entertainment industry. She continued to perform while operating Chez Clairette, occasionally appearing on television series like Au pied de la pente douce. In her later years, she opened an academy for singers at her younger sister's home, singer Danielle Oddera.
Clairette married at the age of 21, but the marriage lasted only four years. She continued to perform regularly until her final public performance in June 2008 at the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier. Clairette Oddera passed away on October 28, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of nurturing talent and entertaining audiences for over seven decades.
Clairette Oddera's life is a testament to the power of nurturing talent and giving back to the community. Her selfless efforts in launching the careers of many artists have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and supporting emerging talent.
Born in 1914
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