Gabrielle of the Lillies: The Life of Gaby Deslys

Gaby Deslys, born Marie-Elise-Gabrielle Caire (1881-1920) lived a hectic life as a Parisian, London and American stage actress and singer. Remembered fondly by J. M. Barrie's ward Nico Llewelyn Davies decades later, Deslys' elaborate costumes and feathered headpieces were well-known. Lending her name to the Gaby Glide dance, she attracted the attention of King Manuel II before he was deposed. Terrified of tuberculosis which destroyed her siblings, Deslys intended to make her Marseilles villa, Villa de Gaby, a tuberculosis hospital. Dying of Spanish influenza in 1920 after struggling with throat issues since 1914, her dance partner and rumored lover Harry Pilcer mourned after her death.

Sources:

Emily Caskey with David Soren, "Gaby Deslys: A Famous French Import", University of Arizona, https://vaudeville.sites.arizona.edu/node/57

Gaby Deslys Sings Two Songs in Vienna, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oFXU_dX53Q

#gabydeslys #gabydelys #gabydeslysdocumentary #gabrielleofthelillies #belleepoch #edwardianera #edwardianerastage #edwardianeraactress #marseilleshistory #villadegaby #rosyrapture #spanishinfluenza #ww1actresses #belleépoque #universityofarizona #kingmanuelii #edwardianactress #edwardiantheatre