"Incomparable" Cabaret Star Hildegarde Dies at 99

Hildegarde, the one-named performer who was one of cabaret’s most popular entertainers for more than 60 years, died in New York City on July 29 at the age of 99. She had been ill for many years.

Born Hildegarde Sell in Wisconsin, she dropped her last name at the suggestion of impresario Gus Edwards. For much of her career, she was billed as “The Incomparable Hildegarde.” She began her cabaret career in the 1920s and soon became the toast of England and New York, playing for King George V and other members of royalty. Hildegarde became so popular that, by the mid 1940s, she commanded nearly $20,000 for a week-long engagement. At the age of 90, she was still working, playing the Algonquin Hotel’s famed Oak Room.

Hildegarde had a very successful recording career; among her hits were “Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup” and “The Last Time I Saw Paris.” She also appeared on stage in the national tour of Follies and in a revival of The Five O’Clock Girl at the Goodspeed Opera House. In 1961, she published her autobiography Over 50…So What?

She leaves no immediate survivors. A memorial service for Hildegarde will be held at Frank Campbell’s (1076 Madison Avenue at 81st Street) on Thursday, August 4, at 7:30pm; doors will open at 6pm.