Théophanis Lamboukas (; 26 January 1936 – 28 August 1970), professionally known as Théo Sarapo (), was a French singer and actor. He started his career as a hairstylist and was influenced by Édith Piaf, whom he married a year before her death in 1962, to become a singer.
Early life and career
Sarapo was born in Paris to Greek parents. He scored a hit with Édith Piaf in 1962 with the song "" (What Good Is Love?) and solo hits with "" (The House Which No Longer Sings), and "" (That Day Will Come); its English-language version, "Our Day Will Come", was notably covered by Ruby & the Romantics and others.
When he began singing with Piaf, Sarapo's voice was rather nasal, but over the next few years his tone mellowed. His other hits included "" (The Round) and "" (We Weren't Alike).
As an actor, Sarapo's best- known film was Judex, directed by Georges Franju, which was being filmed at the time of Piaf's death.
Relationship with Piaf
Sarapo was the second (and final) husband of Édith Piaf, and was twenty years her junior. Formerly a hairdresser, he was introduced to her by Claude Figus, Piaf's secretary. He married Piaf at the age of 26 in an Orthodox ceremony.