Claudine Longet, 1960s Adult Contemporary Star and Olympic Skier Tragedy, Passes Away at 84
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Claudine Longet, the French-born singer and former wife of Andy Williams, has passed away at the age of 84. Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Longet, on Thursday, May 14. Longet gained notoriety in the 1970s following the fatal shooting of her boyfriend, Olympic skier Vladimir “Spider” Sabich.
The incident sparked widespread media attention, particularly due to the light sentence Longet received—30 days, served at her discretion—which many viewed as an indication of privilege in the American legal system. The case inspired parodies on shows such as Saturday Night Live and even a song by the Rolling Stones.
Before the scandal, Longet had established herself in the entertainment industry, initially gaining recognition alongside Williams on his long-running variety show, as well as for her own music career in the late 1960s. She released seven albums—mostly featuring light pop and bossa nova, which have since been categorized as “lounge music.”
Born Claudine Georgette Longet in Paris on January 29, 1942, she began her career when impresario Lou Walters hired her for the Folies Bergère revue at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas upon her turning 18. It was during this time that she met Williams, who was 14 years her senior, and they married in December 1961.
Williams became a superstar, particularly after releasing “Moon River” in 1962 and launching his own TV variety series. The couple moved to Malibu, California, where they welcomed three children. Longet frequently appeared on The Andy Williams Show and collaborated with him, notably on “Let It Be Me” from the gold-certified album The Wonderful World of Andy Williams, which hit No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in February 1964.
Longet also made guest appearances on various variety shows, occasionally singing alongside notable performers like Bobby Darin and Tom Jones. Her significant break came in 1966 with her role in the drama series Run for Your Life, where she showcased her bilingual rendition of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s “Meditation.”
In 1966, A&M Records cofounder Herb Alpert signed Longet, leading to a successful run where she released five albums, including the acclaimed debut Claudine, which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and achieved gold certification. This album featured two songs that charted, including her version of “Here, There and Everywhere” by The Beatles.
Longet continued her musical journey through the late 1960s, producing albums like The Look of Love and Colours, all of which charted on the Billboard 200. The highest-charting single from that era was a vocal version of “Love Is Blue,” which reached No. 71 on the Hot 100 in March 1968.
By the 1970s, Longet’s music began to evolve, featuring a pop-rock direction in her later albums. Her acting career also flourished, highlighted by her co-starring role alongside Peter Sellers in the 1968 film The Party.
Longet and Williams maintained a close relationship with the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. They were present at the Ambassador Hotel when Kennedy was shot on June 5, 1968, and attended his funeral soon after. Tragedy struck their marriage as they legally separated in 1970 and divorced in January 1975. Williams later expressed regret over the marriage’s demise, stating in a 2009 interview that it was his fault.
Following the divorce, Longet began a relationship with Sabich, whom she shot on March 21, 1976. Claiming the gun accidentally discharged while Sabich demonstrated its use, Longet faced investigation and was charged with felony reckless manslaughter. The trial culminated in a conviction for negligent homicide, leading to a minimal sentence that drew significant public scrutiny.
Williams supported Longet throughout her trial, financing her legal defense and consistently voicing his belief in her innocence. The Sabich family pursued a $1.3 million civil suit, which was settled with the stipulation that Longet remain silent on the matter.
The sensational nature of the case captured public attention, inspiring a controversial sketch on Saturday Night Live, which incited a rare on-air apology from the show’s announcer. Additionally, a song titled “Claudine” by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards was pulled from the Rolling Stones’ album due to its contentious subject matter.
Longet’s last public appearance reportedly occurred in 2003 during an A&E documentary about Williams, where she reflected on her past, noting the enduring fondness fans expressed for their Christmas shows.
