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In this feature, you will find more specific information about the the Angelil family (composed by Rene Angelil and her first three sons) including Rene´s mother and also his brother. For a summary about Celine´s family, and information about Rene´s sons with Celine please refer to CELINE FAMILY section.
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RENE ANGELIL
Rene Angelil is a Canadian singer and manager, mostly known as the man who created the phenomenon that has become international superstar, Celine Dion. He is the husband and manager of Celine. Rene Angelil born on January 16, 1942 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
...> The Story of Rene Angelil
Rene Angelil was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on January 16, 1942, of a father of Syrian descent and a Canadian mother of Lebanese origin. He is a Melkite Catholic and studied at College Saint-Viateur (high school), in Outremont and at College André-Grasset (post secondary), in Montreal, Canada. Rene is fluent in Arabic. Rene grew up with her little brother named, André Angelil, three years younger. During his childhood, Rene also played sports and thank´s to his influence of Syria, he learned to learned to speak Arabic. He had his first communion in 1949.
Rene Angelil started out as a pop singer in the 1960s in Montreal, Canada. Rene formed a pop rock group named "Les Baronets", with childhood friends Pierre Labelle and Jean Beaulne. They were known as "Quebec´s Smithtones". This group had some hits in the 1960s as "C´est fou, mais c´est tout" (a translation of the Beatles´ song "Hold me tight") catering to the short-lived Quebec market for translations of English-language pop hits from the United Kingdom or the United States. The original trio, composed by Rene Angelil, Pierre Labelle and Jean Beaulne, formed in the years yéyé in 1961. Early in his career, they mainly tour of Montreal cabarets. Quickly became popular, they occur in several towns in the province of Quebec, the most important scenes. They have made themselves known through interpretations mainly from The Beatles. In 1966 and 1967, Jean Beaulne was replaced by Jean-Guy Chapados and the trio changed its name to "Les Nouveaux Baronets" ("The New Baronets" in English). In 1970, Jean Beaulne finally leaves and the trio became a duo. Rene Angelil and Pierre Labelle became managers of artists, dissolving the group "Les Baronets" in 1972.
In 1966 Rene Angelil married his first wife, Denyse Duquette, from whom he had his first child, named Patrick Angelil, born on January 28, 1968 (same year as current wife, Celine Dion). In 1974, he married singer Manon Kirouac, called Anne Renée on the stage, the mother of Jean-Pierre Angelil (born in 1974) and Anne-Marie Angelil (born in 1977). Anne Renée becomes one of the most popular singers on the Quebec scene with hits like "Un amour d´adolescent" and "On trouve l´amour". It was also at this time that she falls in love with the partner Cloutier, Rene Angelil.
After the dissolution of the group, "Les Baronets", Rene Angelil and best friend Guy Cloutier began managing artists. Together they managed the career of two successful Quebec entertainers, René Simard and Ginette Reno, among many other pop stars of the time. They parted ways in 1981 to each become solo managers. In 1971, Rene Angelil rotates "Après ski" (known in English under the title "Sex In The Snow" or "Sex On Skis") one of the many light comedies filmed in Quebec in the early 70s ("Les Chats Bottés, Pile Ou Face"). He also turns in 1972 in the film "L´apparition", in wich he acts as a reporter. At the end of 1981 (not long after being replaced as Ginette´s manager) Rene heard Celine Dion´s demo tape. In 1987 and 1988, he won the Félix Award for Manager of the Year. On December 17, 1994, Rene married Celine Dion. Celine is 26 years younger than Angelil. Their son, Rene Charles was born on January 25, 2001. And on October 23, 2010, Celine and Rene welcomed twin boys, named Eddy and Nelson.
In 1999 Rene Angelil suffered from throat cancer (resulting in Celine Dion temporarily halting her career to be with him), but has recovered. He appeared in the video for Simple Plan´s "Save you" as a survivor of cancer. He also started working on Garou´s career in 1999, following a meeting on a TV set during a program devoted to Celine Dion. Then, singer Garou has created a company to manage both their own artistic and commercial activities, thus putting an end to their collaboration. In July 2008, Angelil was named the director for the reality television show "Star Academie", in the fourth season, wich started in February 2009. Angelil is fan of NHL hockey, and he is a good friend of former Colorado Avalanche president and general manager, Pierre Lacroix. Rene is portrayed in an unauthorized TV Movie Biopic about Celine Dion by Toronto actor Enrico Colantoni. On June 17, 2009 Rene received the National Order of Quebec honour (known officially by its French name, Ordre National du Quebec) at the Hôtel du Parlement in Quebec, Canada. In early 2014 was revealed that Rene was recovering after having a cancerous tumour removed from his throat just before Christmas (in December 2013). Rene, 72, said in a statement released by his publicist, that the December 23, 2013 operation was a success. It said he spent a few days in hospital and that he is recovering at home in Las Vegas, USA. The couple said they didn´t want to give interviews and were asking media to respect their privacy. Celine said in the statement she wanted Angelil to focus on getting healthy and to avoid the daily stress of work. "I do not want Rene live the daily stress of work-related problems. I want him found his health to 100%. We spent quality time with family since the beginning of the year", said Celine in early 2014. "I continue my commitments in Las Vegas, which allows us to be together with our children and make the most of. We realize how lucky we had to have the best possible quality of care and we thank God every day that the danger is removed".
...> Extortion Attempt
Angelil was accused by Yun Kyeong Kwon Sung of sexual assault stemming from a 2000 incident that took place in a Las Vegas hotel. These charges were later investigated by Las Vegas police. Although Mr. Angelil eventually paid the woman $2 million to settle, Mr. Angelil never admitted to doing anything wrong, always maintaining the settlement was to avoid negative publicity that might upset his wife Celine. Yun and her husband, Ae Ho Kwon, were later arrested in 2003 and charged with trying to extort money from Mr. Angelil over a false rape claim. Both individuals were convicted in 2005. However, in early 2008, the Nevada Supreme Court reversed both the convictions of husband and wife as to the extortion and conspiracy charges, but upheld the jury verdict as to the charges of soliciting a bribe. The court held that they should have had a chance to produce evidence of rape against Angelil in their trial.
...> Defamation Suits
In 2001 Angelil, along with his wife Celine Dion, filed a $5 million defamation lawsuit against Quebec tabloid "Allo Vedettes" for printing a story alleging the couple paid $5,000 to rent out the swimming pool of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, USA so that Celine could sunbathe topless and Rene could go skinny dipping, allegations they strenuously denied. They later withdrew the case, saying it was not a priority in light of the terrorist events of 9/11.
...> Gambling Fame
Angelil is an avid poker player, having qualified for the 2005 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, and finishing in the money at the 2007 Mirage Poker Showdown event on the World Poker Tour, a series of high stakes tournaments. Angelil is also rumored to be a dedicated gambler away from the poker table. He reportedly gambles upwards of $1 million a week at Caesars Palace, and keeps a line of credit for the same amount at Bellagio. A frenzy of speculation as to how much Angelil spends in casinos was created when Jan Jones, former Las Vegas mayor and high ranking executive at Harrah´s Communications, was quoted by a reporter from the London-based newspaper "The Observer" as saying, "Celine Dion´s husband is a big gambler. He probably gambles $1 million in a week, but he can afford to". A retraction was later issued by Caesars Palace, which is owned by Harrah´s, stating that Jan Jones´ previous allegations were totally without merit.
...> Rene Biographical Book
On March 2, 2009 Rene Angelil introduced his first official biography book titled "Le Maître Du Jeu" ("The Master Of Game" in English). Written in French by prominent Quebec author Georges-Hébert Germain, "Le Maître Du Jeu" provides readers with a comprehensive picture of Celine´s husband´s personal life and career. From his early days in Montreal, to his debut in show business as a member of the group "The Baronets", to his evolution as a successful music producer and artist manager, this book paints a sensitive portrait of one of the world´s most notable impresarios. 32 pages of dazzling photos, including an impressive collection of rare family photographs, invite the reader into Rene´s world. Recounted from a unique point of view, find out how Celine and Rene teamed up to take Celine to the top, evolving from a shy child to a multi-platinum recording artist.
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THE SONS
Rene Angelil has six sons nowadays. In 1966 he married his first wife, Denyse Duquette, mother of Patrick Angelil (born in 1968, same year as current wife Celine Dion). In 1974, he married singer Manon Kirouac, called Anne Renée on the stage, mother of Jean-Pierre Angelil (born in 1974) and Anne-Marie Angelil (born in 1977). On December 17, 1994, he married Celine Dion. Their son, Rene Charles was born on January 25, 2001. And on October 23, 2010, Angelil and Celine welcomed twin boys. The boys were named Eddy, after Eddy Marnay, who produced Celine´s first five albums, and Nelson, after Nelson Mandela.
...> Patrick Angelil
Patrick is Rene first son. He is son of Rene and his first wife named Denyse Duquette. It is in 1961, whereas it belonged to the very popular trio "Les Baronets", that Rene met Denise in a room of dance where the group often sang. But he preferred to keep their secret relation not to harm his image of seducer and the popularity of the group. Finally, they were linked in front of God on December 11, 1966. Hardly one year after their marriage, on January 28, 1968, Patrick was born. Unfortunately, with the beginning of the year 1970, his parents divorced, on June 12, 1973. It is his mother who raised it. Patrick born on same year as his father current wife, Celine Dion. For a few years, Patrick has belonged to impressive the professional “machine” created by Celine and Rene. Inter alia tasks, he makes sure that those which gained tickets to attend the spectacles of Celine, thanks to promotions or with contests launched in the whole world, receive a treatment VIP and have the privilege to reach the slides. During leisure time, Patrick likes scuba diving, read and go to the cinema. He is scenes technic. He has worked with Celine as production assistant during the "Let´s Talk About Love Tour". He also worked as tour manager (in production, logistics and media relations) during the "Taking Chances Tour". Their family call him Pat.
Patrick Angelil married with Sophie Danis and they had two sons; Justin and Alicia Angelil. Patrick says he adores the bohemian life which the world tour of his mother-in-law gets to him.
On October 23, 2010 Celine Dion and her family celebrated the twins, Eddy and Nelson´s first birthday party. For the ocassion, Patrick Angelil attended the party of his twin brothers, and he was photographed with her own family (wife Sophie Danis and the children, Justin and Alicia).
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...> Jean-Pierre Angelil
After the episode of "Les Baronets", Rene joined the team of Guy Cloutier, who was then the agent of Rene Simard, Patrick Zabé, Johnny Farago and a pretty singer which obtained much success, Manon Kirouac, called Anne Renée on the stage. One should not a long time so that Rene falls in love with this singer and on June 23, 1973, they married civilly. Last nine months later, on March 23, 1974 Anne Renee was confined of a boy, that the couple has fore-mentioned Jean-Pierre. The second son of Rene, who inherited the blond hair and the blue eyes of his mother, chose to live in withdrawal of the artistic medium and it is done very discrete. During leisure time, Jean-Pierre likes to play piano. He also studied music few years. The family call him J.P.
Jean-Pierre married Judith Gauthier.
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...> Anne-Marie Angelil
On June 12, 1977 Rene knew the joys of paternity for the third time. Anne Renee gave rise to a girl named Anne-Marie. But the couple divorced a few years later, more exactly on March 3, 1986. Anne-Marie is very attached to her father, to whom it dedicates an admiration without terminals. She adores to follow him in the whole world. She also developed a very beautiful friendly relation with her mother-in-law Celine. During leisure time, Anne-Marie likes to read, ski and cinema. The family call her Cotte.
In addition, Anne-Marie Angelil married the Canadian comedian and musician, Marc Dupré on August 25, 2000. They are the parents of Anthony, Stella and Lenny Dupré.
On October 23, 2010 Celine Dion and her family celebrated the twins, Eddy and Nelson´s first birthday party. For the ocassion, Anne-Marie Angelil attended the party of her twin brothers, and she was photographed with her own family (husband Marc Dupré and the children, Anthony, Stella and Lenny).
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...> Anecdotes
- On the following photo: Rene Angelil, his son Rene-Charles and his grandchildren on Christmas time in 2003.
- On the following photo: Anthony Dupré (son of Anne-Marie Angélil and Marc Dupré), Justin Angelil (son of Patrick Angelil), Rene Charles, Anne-Marie Angélil, Stella Dupré (daughter of Anne-Marie Angélil and Marc Dupré), Rene Angelil, Celine Dion, Sophie Danis (the wife of Patrick Angelil), Marc Dupré (husband of Anne-Marie Angélil), Lenny Dupré (son of Anne-Marie Angélil and Marc Dupré), Jean-Pierre Angelil, his wife Judith Gauthier, Patrick Angelil and his daughter Alicia Angelil. The photo was taken during a pool day at Celine and Rene house in Laval, near Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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RENE´s MOTHER
...> Alice Angelil
Alice born on May 4, 1915. She married with Joseph Angelil in Outremont, Montreal. They have two sons; Rene and André. She was a dressmaker. During leisure time, Alice liked to play Bingo and go to casinos. Rene grew up among people who spoke Arabic, English and French at home, and his mother insisted on enrolling him in a French-lenguage primary school. As he grew up, Rene would be subject above all to female influences, and specially that of his mother, the woman of his life, with whom he would develop an unfailing understanding. She was brillant and generous, and maintained the contact with all the family, whether children or brothers, sisters, and cousins, who gravitated to the house. On May 25, 1997 Alice died at the age of 82 years old in the Montreal Heart Institute, because of a heart disease. The funeral took place in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec. This good-humoured, lively, intelligent woman was the beacon of the Angelil family. It was she who established a line of communication between Rene and his father, who were rarely on the same wavelenght. It was she who ran the household and who watched over her two sons like a mother hen. She particulary kept an eye on Rene, who wasn´t very serious and was often irresponsible in his youth. Alice was Rene´s confidante, and she spent three weeks at his side in Los Angeles when he has his serious heart attack in 1992.
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RENE´s BROTHER
...> André Angelil
André born on May 4, 1945. He likes to play golf, like his brother Rene, billard, theatre and cinema. He says his brother Rene is an example to follow. Alice Angelil, paid much more attention to Rene than André, who was much more sensible and better beheaved. André and Rene shared a bedroom as children. André was a retiring, unassuming guy who now owns a video club in Laval, Quebec. He married with Monique, together they have four children; Alain, Maryse, Marcel and Isabelle.
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