Dedicated his song "Laura", composed by Jean-Jacques Goldman, to his daughter Laura Smet (1986).

His stage name was borrowed from his cousin's friend, Lee Hallyday.

Son David Hallyday (later a singer in his own right) was born in August 1966; not long after, a deeply depressed Hallyday attempted suicide as his rock-and-roll career began to flounder after the British invasion and the rise of politically motivated folk music. After his recovery, he issued the despairing single "Noir, C'est Noir" as a commentary on his near-tragedy.

Longtime companion of actress Nathalie Baye from 1982 to 1986.

Born at 1:00pm-BDS T

Selling over 100 million records in France alone and having 33 number 1 hit singles, he is considered the French equivalent of Elvis Presley.

A popular singing duo with first wife Sylvie Vartan, they recorded a smash duet, "J'ai un Problème," that became one of France's biggest hits in the early 70s.

Adopted a little Vietnamese baby named Jade, with wife Laeticia.

Father of Laura Smet with actress Nathalie Baye.

Has his look-alike puppet in the French show "Guignols de l'info, Les" (1988).

Father of David Hallyday

The Jimi Hendrix Experience played their very first gig as support for the French heartthrob at the Paris Olympia in October 1966.

Appeared on Ed Sullivan's TV show on July 1, 1962 with American singing star Connie Francis in a show that was taped at the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris.

Was raised by his paternal aunt, Hélène Mar.

A Legion of Honor medal by French President Jacques Chirac was presented to him in 1997, and the following year he gave spectacular concerts to close the World Cup soccer tournament and commemorate France's first championship.

Born to a French mother, Huguette Clerc, and a Belgian father, Leon Smet, he became naturalized citizen of France in 1961. In 2006, he started a procedure to receive Belgian citizenship.

Shares birthday with soccer player Oliver Kahn, actors Ice Cube and Guy Bedos.