Edith Piaf didn’t have an easy life as a child, but the challenges and obstacles she had to overcome throughout her growing are what gave birth to “Edith Piaf”. La Vie en rose (2007) is a biographical film based on Piaf’s life and she has been played by actress Marion Cotillard. French cabaret artist Edith Piaf is best known for her ballads about life, love, and sorrow. "La Môme Piaf") (December 19, 1915 – October 11, 1963) was one of France's most-loved singers.Her real name was Édith Giovanna Gassion.She became a national icon.Her music was an image of her tragic life. The birthplace of Piaf was located in Belleville, Paris. She was born in Belleville Paris to a circus performing father and street-singing mother. She grew up under the care of her paternal grandmother who ran a brothel in Normandy. Edith Piaf. Sadly, her life story was full of illness, injury, addiction, and these factors took its toll on her body. The real name of Piaf was Édith Giovanna Gassion. A few months later, she was persuaded to make a comeback by Charles Dumont and Michel Vaucaire, two young French songwriters, who had written the song "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien." Like her other two big hits "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" and "Milord," this Piaf song has been recorded in English, with lyrics by American songwriter Mack David. Facts about Edith Piaf 7: the early life. At first she refused to see them or take their song seriously. As she grew up, she continued to work in the streets. Edith Piaf (Gassion; 19 December 1915 - 10 October 1963) was a French singer who has become widely regarded as France's most popular. She died at the age of 47 in Cannes, France. Facts about Edith Piaf 6: the birthplace and real name. Edith Piaf. She became Edith Piaf thanks to the difficulties she met. She was born on December 19th, 1915 according to the birth certificate. Edith Piaf decided to retire in 1960. "La Vie En Rose" was written in 1945 and released as a single in 1947 on the Columbia label backed by "Un Refrain Courait Dans La Rue." Édith Piaf (aka. Édith Piaf as seen during an event in December 1962 (Eric Koch / Anefo / Dutch National Archives / Public Domain) Édith Piaf Facts.