35 Facts About Claudine Longet

Early Life and Career

Claudine Longet's journey began in Paris, France, where her early years were shaped by her parents' professions and her own budding talent.

1. Claudine Georgette Longet was born on January 29, 1942, in Paris, France, to an x-ray manufacturer and a doctor.
2. At 17, she started dancing at the Parisian cabaret club Folies Bergère, catching the eye of Lou Walters, who invited her to Las Vegas.

Rise to Fame

Longet's career took off after moving to the United States, where she met influential people and showcased her talents on various platforms.

3. In 1961, while performing at the Tropicana Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas, Longet met Andy Williams, a famous crooner.
4. They married on December 15, 1961, in Los Angeles, and Longet became a regular on The Andy Williams Show.
5. Longet pursued a successful singing career, releasing several albums under Herb Alpert's A&M Records.
6. Her hits included "Love is Blue" and "Hello Hello," both reaching the US top 100 singles chart.
7. She transitioned into acting, appearing in notable films such as The Party (1968) alongside Peter Sellers.

Family and Personal Life

Longet's personal life was intertwined with her career, marked by her marriage to Andy Williams and their family.

8. Longet had three children with Andy Williams: Noelle, Christian, and Bobby.
9. Bobby was named after Robert F. Kennedy, a close friend of the Williams family.
10. In 1975, Longet and Andy Williams legally separated, with Longet winning a $2.1 million settlement.

Relationship with Spider Sabich

Longet's life took a dramatic turn when she met professional skier Spider Sabich, leading to a highly publicized and tragic event.

11. In 1972, Longet met Vladimir "Spider" Sabich at a celebrity race in California's Bear Valley.
12. After her divorce, she moved to Aspen, Colorado, and spent more time in Sabich's chalet.
13. Their relationship was marked by drugs, parties, and jealousy.
14. On March 21, 1976, Longet shot and killed Sabich after he reportedly told her to move out.

Legal Battle and Public Perception

The tragic incident led to a highly publicized trial and significantly impacted Longet's public image.

15. Longet was charged with involuntary manslaughter, claiming the gun discharged accidentally.
16. Ballistics showed the gun's trigger had been pulled more than once.
17. She was convicted of criminal negligence and sentenced to 30 days in jail.
18. Longet served her sentence on weekends after a vacation with her defense attorney, Ron Austin, whom she later married in 1985.
19. The family of Spider Sabich filed a $780,000 civil suit against Longet, settled out of court with a confidentiality clause.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Despite the controversy, Longet's life and career left a lasting mark on popular culture and the entertainment industry.

20. The Rolling Stones wrote a song titled "Claudine" about the murder trial, included on the deluxe reissue of their album Some Girls in 2011.
21. Saturday Night Live featured a sketch about "The Claudine Longet Invitational Ski Championship," leading to a cease-and-desist letter from Longet's attorneys.
22. In 2001, Gilmore Girls referenced Longet in an episode while her music played in the background.
23. In 2003, City Confidential featured the case involving Longet and Sabich in an episode.
24. Artist Josh Agle created a piece titled "Love, Spider" for the Denver Modernism Show in 2012.

Life After the Incident

Longet has maintained a low profile since the trial, living a private life away from the spotlight.

25. After the trial, Longet largely stayed out of the public eye, living in Aspen, Colorado, with her husband Ron Austin.
26. Despite the challenges, Longet developed a dedicated fan base that appreciated her unique style and voice.
27. Her music career flourished in the 1960s and 1970s, enchanting audiences worldwide.
28. Longet showcased her versatility by transitioning from music to acting, leaving a lasting impression with her performances.
29. The incident with Spider Sabich overshadowed her achievements, making her a controversial figure.

Continued Influence and Recognition

Longet's life and career continue to be referenced in various forms of media and art, highlighting her enduring presence in popular culture.

30. Despite her controversial past, Longet attempted a comeback in the entertainment industry.
31. Her life and career have been recognized in various forms of art, such as Josh Agle's piece "Love, Spider."
32. Longet has made occasional public appearances, often met with curiosity and controversy.
33. She lives a private life in Aspen, Colorado, with her husband Ron Austin.
34. Longet's legacy extends beyond her music and acting career, often referenced in media and art.
35. Her journey from rising star to controversial figure has left an indelible mark on the history of entertainment.

Claudine Longet: A Life of Talent and Controversy

Claudine Longet's life is a mix of artistic achievement and personal tragedy. Rising to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, she charmed audiences with her singing and acting. Her marriage to Andy Williams and her appearances on his show boosted her career. However, her life took a dark turn with the tragic incident involving Spider Sabich. The trial and conviction for criminal negligence cast a long shadow over her career. Despite this, Longet's dedicated fan base continues to appreciate her unique style and haunting voice. Living a low-profile life in Aspen, Colorado, with her husband Ron Austin, Longet remains an enigmatic figure. Her journey from stardom to controversy leaves an indelible mark on entertainment history. Longet's story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the enduring power of celebrity.