French singer Charles Aznavour gets Hollywood star at age 93
Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour poses after unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - French singer Charles Aznavour finally got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, capping a more than 70-year career as one of his country's most popular entertainers.
Aznavour, 93, who was born Shahnour Varinag Aznavourian in Paris to Armenian parents, has sold more than 100 million records in 80 countries. He has been described as France's equivalent to Frank Sinatra.
The singer on Thursday described himself as happy at the honor - with reservations.
The star of Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour is pictured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
"The word I can say is happy, and with a part of emotion, of course, because we are far away from my country, from my way of living, from my way of being received by the people," he said at the Hollywood ceremony.
Aznavour began his career peddling his words and music to the Paris boulevardiers of the 40s and 50s - Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier and Charles Trenet.
He soon became adept himself at interpreting emotional love songs, recording hits like "She," "Hier Encore" (Yesterday When I Was Young), "Apres l'Amour" (After Love) and "La Boheme."
Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour walks by fans after unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Aznavour is also known for his humanitarian work in Armenia, especially after the 1988 earthquake that killed tens of thousands of people. He was granted Armenian citizenship in 2008 and was appointed in 2009 to be that country's ambassador to Switzerland, a position he still holds.
Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour waves before unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
(Reporting by Reuters Television; Editing by Peter Cooney)
Director Peter Bogdanovich speaks before the unveiling of the star of Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour (L) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniThe marquee of Pantages theatre is pictured before the unveiling of the star of Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniArmenian-French singer Charles Aznavour is cheered by fans after unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniArmenian-French singer Charles Aznavour (R) is congratulated by director Peter Bogdanovich after unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniArmenian-French singer Charles Aznavour speaks to the media after unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniArmenian-French singer Charles Aznavour blows kisses at fans after unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
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