Dario Moreno, born as David Arugete Moreno (3 April 1921 - 1 December 1968), was a captivating Turkish musician and actor. Although he hailed from Turkey, he gained immense fame as a singer and actor in France during the 1950s and 1960s. His 1961 hit song with Brigitte Bardot catapulted him to stardom.
Born in Germencik, Aydın, to an Italian-Jewish family, Dario faced hardships early in his life. After his father, who worked at a train station, was tragically killed, Dario and his mother moved to Izmir. Due to financial difficulties, he spent part of his childhood in an orphanage and later completed his primary education at a Jewish school.
Dario worked various jobs during his youth, including clerical work for a famous lawyer in Izmir. He also dedicated his evenings to learning French at the National Library. He showcased his multilingual skills, mastering French, Spanish, and gaining proficiency in Italian and English. Music became his passion, and he self-taught himself to play the guitar.
Dario's talent was not limited to singing. He acted in 32 films and played a significant role in the musical 'L'Homme de la Mancha' written by Jacques Brel. Turkish writers Sezen Cumhur Önal and Fecri Ebcioğlu wrote Turkish lyrics for many of Moreno's songs. The theatre director, Kosta Kortidis, dedicated a large part of his play to Moreno, showcasing his deep admiration for the artist.
Dario's life was cut short on 1 December 1968, at Istanbul's Yeşilköy Airport. After missing his flight to Paris, he got into a heated argument with an airport official. This altercation led to a significant spike in his blood pressure, causing him to collapse. Dario, a hypertension patient, was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival. As per his wishes, he was buried in Izmir, but his mother, who had relocated to Israel, decided to bury him in the Holon city cemetery.
Dario's contribution to music and cinema was widely recognized. He received awards like the 1958 Grand Prix Du Disque and the best supporting actor award in France for the film 'Oeil Pour Oeil.'
Dario Moreno's life story is an inspiring tale of passion, dedication, and resilience. From the streets of Izmir to the grand stages of Paris, his voice and charisma left an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema.