Claudine Longet, Singer and Actress, Dies at 84
Similar Articles
Nedra Talley Ross, Founding Member of the Ronettes, Dies at 80
Audrey Beth Davis, Television Publicist for 'The Golden Girls' and 'Law & Order', Dies at 82
Jennifer Harmon, Soap Opera and Broadway Actress, Dies at 82
Marilyn Monroe's Final Interview and Unseen Photos to Be Published in New Book
Saturday Night Live Writer's Sister's Case Now a Homicide Investigation
Claudine Longet, the French singer and actress known for her 1960s pop albums and television roles, has died at age 84. Her career included a hit debut album and notable appearances on 'The Andy Williams Show' and in the film 'The Party.' Her life was also marked by the 1976 shooting death of her boyfriend, Olympic skier Spider Sabich, for which she served a 30-day sentence.
Facts First
- French singer and actress Claudine Longet has died at the age of 84.
- Her debut album 'Claudine' sold over one million copies after its 1967 release.
- She was married to entertainer Andy Williams from 1961 to 1975; they had three children.
- She was convicted of criminally negligent homicide in the 1976 shooting death of skier Spider Sabich.
- She served 30 days in jail and was fined as part of her 1977 sentence.
What Happened
Claudine Longet, a French singer and actress, has died at the age of 84. Her career began in childhood and included work on French television and in European plays. After moving to Las Vegas, she met and later married American entertainer Andy Williams in 1961. Longet first appeared on 'The Andy Williams Show' in 1963 and later guest-starred in numerous television series. Her singing on the show 'Run for Your Life' helped secure a contract with A&M Records. Her 1967 debut album, 'Claudine', sold over one million copies. She also performed in the 1968 Blake Edwards film 'The Party'.
In 1976, Longet shot and killed her boyfriend, Olympic skier Spider Sabich, at his Colorado home. She claimed the gun discharged accidentally. She was convicted of criminally negligent homicide in 1977 and sentenced to 30 days in jail, a fine, and probation. A subsequent civil suit from Sabich's family was settled out of court, with Longet agreeing never to speak publicly about Sabich or his death. She married defense attorney Ronald Austin in 1985 and moved to Hawaii.
Why this Matters to You
This news marks the passing of a notable figure from 1960s popular culture, whose music and television appearances were part of the entertainment landscape of that era. For those who followed her career or the subsequent legal case, her death may close a chapter on a complex public life that intertwined professional success with personal tragedy.
What's Next
With her passing, remembrances of her work in music and film from the 1960s are likely to be shared. Her legacy will now be assessed in full, encompassing both her artistic contributions and the events that later defined her public persona.