Iconic British Singer and Actress, Jane Birkin, Dies at 76
In a sad turn of events, Jane Birkin, the beloved British singer and actress who made a name for herself in France, passed away at the age of 76. The news of her death was reported by CNN affiliate BFMTV, citing its sources.
Birkin spent nearly six decades in France, capturing the hearts of the French people despite initially moving there without knowing the language at the tender age of 20. She was affectionately known as France’s favorite “anglaise.”
Her rise to fame began when she fell in love with French actor and singer Serge Gainsbourg shortly after arriving in Paris. The couple’s relationship became a subject of public fascination, and they often collaborated professionally. Their sultry duet, “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” was memorably banned in several countries due to its explicit lyrics.
President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Birkin, describing her as a French icon who embodied freedom and sang the most beautiful words in the French language.
Although Birkin gained fame through her relationship with Gainsbourg, she quickly established herself as an independent star and fashion icon in France. She even inspired the famous Birkin bag by French luxury house Hermes.
Birkin’s cause of death is still unknown, but she had been in poor health in recent years and suffered a stroke in 2021. One of her last public appearances was at the premiere of the documentary “Jane by Charlotte,” which explored her relationship with her daughter Charlotte.
She is survived by her daughters Lou Doillon and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. Her other daughter, Kate Barry, tragically passed away in 2013 at the age of 46.
Born in London in 1946, Birkin married legendary British composer John Barry in 1965 but the marriage ended shortly after. She then left for Paris in 1968 to work on a film called “Slogan,” where she met Gainsbourg and began their fruitful artistic collaboration.
In addition to her successful acting career, Birkin released several records in the French language and delved into her personal tragedies, including the death of her first daughter Kate, in her music.
However, it was her involvement in creating the iconic Birkin bag that cemented her status as a household name. In an interview with CNN, Birkin explained how a chance encounter on a flight led to the creation of the bag, which still remains highly sought after to this day.
Jane Birkin’s talent, beauty, and enduring contributions to music, film, and fashion have left an indelible mark on the world. She will be remembered as a true icon and will continue to inspire future generations in the years to come.