Jean-Pierre Barda

{{Short description|Swedish and Israeli singer, actor, make up artist}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Jean-Pierre Barda

| image = Jean-Pierre Barda Tel Aviv.jpg

| caption = Barda in June 2018

| native_name = ז'אן פייר ברדה

| native_name_lang = he

| birth_name = Michel Jean-Pierre Barda

| alias = Farouk

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1965|3|7|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Paris, France

| occupation = {{flatlist|

Singer
musician
actor
make up artist
hair dresser

}}

| instrument = Vocals, drums, keyboards

| genre = Pop

| label = {{flatlist|

}}

| associated_acts = Army of Lovers

}}

Michel Jean-Pierre Barda ({{Langx|he|ז'אן פייר ברדה}}; born 7 March 1965) is a Swedish and Israeli singer, actor, make up artist and hair dresser of French/Algerian Jewish descent. He is one of the founding members of the pop group Army of Lovers.

Biography

Jean-Pierre Barda was born in Paris, France. His father was of Algerian Jewish origin. When he was seven, he moved to Sweden with his family, settling in Stockholm.{{Cite news|last=Anderman |first=Nirit |url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-the-90s-pop-star-who-left-sweden-for-israel-in-pursuit-of-less-stress-1.6723662|title=The '90s pop star who left Sweden for Israel in pursuit of a less stressful life|newspaper=Haaretz }}{{Cite web |url=https://sivtelegram.media/the-frontman-of-army-of-lovers-became-a-volunteer-in-the-israeli-army/2132/ |title=The frontman of the legendary Swedish pop group Army of Lovers Jean-Pierre Barda went a volunteer in the Israeli army |last=Hartman |first=Jan |date=5 April 2018 |website=The Silver Telegram |access-date=11 June 2018}} Barda immigrated to Israel in 2015. He currently lives in Tel Aviv.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/aAWw2/darfor-har-jean-pierre-barda-flytt-sverige |title=Därför har Jean-Pierre Barda flytt Sverige |access-date=11 June 2018}} He has been openly gay since he came out at age 16. His parents kicked him out for his sexuality, and he did not have contact with them for 15 years after.

Music and acting career

Barda started out working with Alexander Bard as a part of the music group Barbie. He initially called himself Farouk, but reverted to his real name when Barbie later evolved into the group Army of Lovers. Barda has been with the group throughout all of its incarnations.

In 2004, Barda considered joining a new band called Bodies Without Organs. This did not come to fruition, and Barda's explicit involvement extended only as far as co-writing BWO's first single "Living in a Fantasy".

Barda is also known as a hair-dresser and make-up artist. He has starred in movies, television and photo shoots.

Theater

"Min Mamma Herr Albin" (Swedish version of La Cage Aux Folles) (1995) – the butler

Film

"Army of Lovers in the Holy Land" (2018) — himself{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9124794/ |title=Army of Lovers in the Holy Land |website=IMDB |access-date=30 June 2021}}
"Livet är en schlager" (2000) – himself
"Once in a Lifetime" (2000) (International: English title) – himself
"House of Angels: The Second Summer" (1994) – himself