Biography for
Cynthia Basinet More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

Van Nuys, California, USA

Height

5' 9½" (1.77 m)

Mini Biography

Best known for the iconic version of "Santa Baby", (oft credited to Marilyn Monroe).

The quirky natural beauty with sparkling versatility as an entertainer, Cynthia Basinet was born in Van Nuys, California.

A resilient star, today Basinet shines as a rare inspirational gem of entertainment, combining her experience as an actor, performer, a sought after American fashion model in Europe during the rise of the supermodel, as well as being recognized as a remarkable humanitarian.

With crowning distinctions as a classically trained musician (she learnt the saxophone and flute as a child), Cynthia is one of the best jazz singers in the world today and is capable of conjuring up Hollywood's golden era of glamour from American history with her critically acclaimed performances and sultry jazz recordings. Her exquisite, speak-easy singing style smoldering with elegant mastery has ensconced Basinet as a cultural living treasure of the American jazz canon.

However in her twenties the world of fashion called and Basinet began a successful modeling career in San Francisco that led her to be based in Paris modeling for five years. Here she studied French cinematography and learnt French fluently while being shot by some of the world's leading photographers for Europe's elite fashionistas in Paris, London and Milan. Her sparkling wit, brains and beauty not only captured the fashion world's camera lens, but also the eyes of some of Hollywood's leading men including Jack Nicholson, whom Basinet was partnered with for several years.

The beautiful, leggy, comedic redhead eventually returned to Los Angeles where she appeared in music videos for the likes of Roy Orbison and the Babys. In LA, the talented Basinet transitioned into acting appearing in movies, TV shows and national commercials. As a person of interest, she has also been referenced to date in over thirty books.

An astute businesswoman and thinker, Cynthia has always recognized and embraced the liberating power of new technologies to reach new audiences in entertainment. As a recording artist, Basinet established an entirely new channel of distribution for her music, using the Internet to bypass the usual Hollywood and recording industry path to bring her releases directly to listeners around the World.

The innovatively strategic move in music distribution, garnered Cynthia Basinet worldwide radio play and millions of downloads where she created an entertainment phenomenon with her rendition of "Santa Baby" (also in the film, "Party Monster").

Ironically, the global radio airplay of Basinet's sultry rendition of the song was accredited to screen legend, Marilyn Monroe, who never recorded the song. Cynthia Basinet's "Santa Baby" remains an essential, iconic Christmas jazz classic each year and is now embraced and emulated by many of today's pop artists.

As a multi-tasking single parent (of a son, Jon), Basinet's awareness of social issues that affect people, families and individuals universally, led her to use her music and increasing platform to raise awareness for multitudes of others in the world, including a trip in May/June of '01 to refugee camps in the Western Sahara. Here she used her profile and her gift of music to raise awareness and inspire hope for those in need.

She released her first EP, "For You With Love" in 2001 under "c. basinet".

As an outstanding icon of humanitarianism, Basinet appeared in the book, "1000 PeaceWomen Across The Globe," after being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize Award in '05.

In 2006, Basinet released her critically acclaimed first full length CD, "The Collection"; as diverse as she.

In 2007, Basinet has released a 10th Anniversary version of her classic, "Santa Baby" and an exquisite new EP called, "Uncovered" featuring new tracks of some of America's greatest standards. It is Basinet at her classy and sultry best.

2007 also ushered in another release, "Remixed", remixing her prior hit, "Going Out Of My Head" by uber-producer, David Maurice.

2010, she partnered with Lee Musiker (Tony Bennett's long time pianist) and the Gerry Beaudoin trio on a hauntingly beautiful and considered her best work to date, "Cry Me A River".

2011, brought an end to her marriage.

She partnered again with Lee Musiker and team for "The Christmas Song" and her latest single, "It's Only A Paper Moon" in 2012.

She has addressed the UN on numerous occasion of issues facing the Saharwian peoples living in self-determination.

Cynthia continues acting, recording, performing and inspiring others worldwide with her beauty, sparkling array of talents and her golden voice while residing bi-costally in Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Star Spangled

Trivia

Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize (shared) in 2005.

In 1999, took a hiatus from acting after ending her long-term relationship with Jack Nicholson, opting instead for a recording career. She remains a supportive and influential figure in the actor's life.

Has one son, Jonathan.

Referenced in over 30 books.

Cousin of novelist Barry Reed ("The Verdict").

Her version of "Santa Baby" (often mistaken as Marilyn Monroe due to illegal file sharing), has been recorded by more of today's pop artists than any other Christmas song.

Personal Quotes

To peace within, our only true power.

When you hit rock bottom, there are still 7 more floors.

Displaced societies are of value. Their issues are our issues.