Rita Cadillac

Rita Cadillac, born Nicole Yasterbelsky on May 18, 1936, in Paris, was a multifaceted French performer renowned for her work as a dancer, singer, and actress. At just 13 years old, she began her musical journey as an accordionist, adopting the stage name "Rita Rella." By 1952, she transitioned into modeling as a pin-up and later embraced the name "Rita Cadillac," which humorously referenced her voluptuous figure. She gained significant recognition as an exotic dancer at the famous Crazy Horse cabaret and also performed at the prestigious Folies Bergère during the 1950s.

Cadillac's film career flourished with appearances in several notable French productions, including "Soirs de Paris" (1954), "Porte océane" (1958), "La prostitution" (1962), "Un clair de lune à Maubeuge" (1962), and "Any Number Can Win" (1963), establishing herself as a prominent figure in European cinema. In 1981, she captivated audiences once again as Monique, the club singer in the acclaimed miniseries and film "Das Boot," set in La Rochelle.

Rita Cadillac's influence extended beyond her performances; she inspired the character Miss Rita Chevrolet, a recurring gag in the British satirical magazine Private Eye. Cadillac’s vibrant career came to an end when she passed away on April 4, 1995, leaving behind a legacy as a celebrated icon of French entertainment.