Théo Sarapo, born Theophanis Lamboukas, was a renowned French singer and actor, and the second husband of the iconic French singer Édith Piaf. Born on January 26, 1936, in Paris to Greek parents, Sarapo's early life was marked by his profession as a hairdresser before he ventured into the world of entertainment.
Sarapo's introduction to Piaf came through Claude Figus, Piaf's secretary, and the couple's age difference of 20 years did not deter them from tying the knot in 1962. The union resulted in a series of hit songs, including "À quoi ça sert l'amour?" (What Good Is Love?),a duet with Piaf, and solo hits like "La maison qui ne chante plus" (The House Which No Longer Sings) and "Ce jour viendra" (That Day Will Come).
As Sarapo's career progressed, his voice transformed from a nasal tone to a mellow sound, and he went on to release other successful singles, such as "La Ronde" (The Round) and "Nous n'étions pas pareils" (We Weren't Alike). His acting career was also notable, particularly in the film "Judex" directed by Georges Franju, which was being filmed at the time of Piaf's passing.
Following Piaf's death, French law transferred her debts to Sarapo, leading to his eviction from their shared apartment on Christmas Day 1963. Sarapo continued to perform and record music, and his final years were marked by a tragic automobile accident on August 28, 1970, in Limoges, Haute-Vienne, which resulted in his death.
Sarapo is buried alongside Piaf and her daughter Marcelle in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, where their tomb bears the motto "Love Conquers All." The tomb also includes the names of Édith's father, Louis Alphonse Gassion, and daughter Marcelle, as well as the phrase "Famille Gassion-Piaf" etched at the foot.
