Yvonne Lussier, later known as Fifi D'Orsay, was a Canadian actress born in Montreal, Québec, in 1904. She began her career in show business at the age of 20, after arriving in New York City, where she was met by Helen Morgan, a friend from Montreal.
Morgan helped Lussier get her start by teaching her the ropes and finding her jobs. She soon landed a spot in The Greenwich Village Follies, where she was renamed Mademoiselle Fifi after impressing the director with her French singing and charming demeanor.
During her time in vaudeville, Lussier became involved with Edward Gallagher, a veteran performer 37 years her senior, who taught her the ins and outs of the business. She and Gallagher put together a successful act, and later teamed up with Herman Berrans to create another hit show.
After a successful stint in vaudeville, Lussier made the transition to Hollywood, where she adopted the stage name Fifi D'Orsay and became a popular movie star. She continued to alternate between film and vaudeville, and even made appearances on early television shows.
In 1950, the Palace Theatre revived vaudeville, and Lussier returned to the stage with great acclaim. She went on to appear on Broadway in the Stephen Sondheim musical "Follies" in 1971, playing the role of Solange LaFitte, a former Follies headliner.
Lussier's song "Ah, Paris" was a highlight of the show, and helped make the cast album a success. "Follies" ran for 522 performances and won seven Tony Awards. Fifi D'Orsay died on December 2, 1983.
