Beloved British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin has passed away at the age of 76 in Paris, France. The French Culture Ministry described her as a “timeless Francophone icon” and mourned the loss of a beloved figure. Local media reported that Birkin was found dead at her home, with sources close to her confirming the news. Birkin had suffered from heart problems in previous years and had a mild stroke in 2021.
Birkin gained international recognition for her 1969 hit song “Je t’aime…moi non plus,” which she performed with her then-lover, the late French singer and songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. The sexually explicit song caused controversy and was banned by the BBC and condemned by the Vatican. However, it solidified Birkin’s place in the music industry.
Although Birkin was born in London, she made France her home in the late 1960s. Apart from her successful singing career and numerous film roles, she was admired for her warm nature and her unwavering advocacy for women’s and LGBT rights. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo described her as the ”most Parisian of the English” and praised her unforgettable songs, laughter, and unique accent.
Born in December 1946 to British actress Judy Campbell and Royal Navy commander David Birkin, Jane Birkin began her career at a young age. She first took to the stage at 17 and appeared in the 1965 musical ”Passion Flower Hotel” by conductor and composer John Barry, whom she later married. However, their marriage ended in the late 1960s.
Birkin gained notoriety for her role in the controversial 1966 film “Blow-Up,” directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, where she appeared naked in a threesome sex scene. However, it was in France that she truly rose to fame, thanks to her relationship with Gainsbourg and her unique style and accent.
After her breakup with Gainsbourg in 1981, Birkin continued her successful career as a singer and actress. She released albums such as ”Baby Alone in Babylone” in 1983 and ”Amour des Feintes” in 1990, both featuring words and music by Gainsbourg. She also wrote her own album, “Arabesque,” in 2002 and released a collection of live recordings titled “Jane at the Palace” in 2009.
French singer Etienne Daho, who produced and composed Birkin’s last album in 2020, expressed his grief, saying, ”It’s unimaginable to live in a world without you.”
Birkin’s love affair with Gainsbourg began on the set of the film ”Slogan” in 1969, shortly after Gainsbourg’s breakup with Brigitte Bardot. Their relationship quickly captivated the nation, and they released the provocative song ”Je T’Aime… Moi Non Plus” that same year. The song, originally written for Bardot, featured explicit lyrics from Gainsbourg and breathy moans and cries from Birkin. It faced bans and condemnation but became a significant part of Birkin’s legacy.
Gainsbourg’s struggles with alcohol eventually led to the end of their relationship in 1981. Birkin went on to live with film director Jacques Doillon but remained close to Gainsbourg until his death in March 1991.
During this time, Birkin inspired the famous Birkin bag by French luxury house Hermes. The bag was created after Hermes’ chief executive, Jean-Louis Dumas, witnessed Birkin struggling with her straw bag on a flight to London, causing its contents to spill on the floor.
Birkin is survived by her two daughters, singer and actress Charlotte (born in 1971) and actress Lou Doillon (born in 1982). She also had a daughter named Kate, who was born in 1967 and tragically passed away in 2013.
The world mourns the loss of Jane Birkin, a talented and influential figure who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and fought tirelessly for important causes. Her songs, laughter, and incomparable accent will never be forgotten.
How did Jane Birkin’s advocacy for women’s and LGBT rights contribute to her legacy
Beloved British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin has sadly passed away in Paris, France at the age of 76. The French Culture Ministry has described her as a “timeless Francophone icon” and mourned the loss of a beloved figure. Local media reported that Birkin was found dead at her home, with sources close to her confirming the news. Birkin had previously suffered from heart problems and had a mild stroke in 2021.
Birkin gained international recognition for her 1969 hit song “Je t’aime…moi non plus,” which she performed with her then-lover, the late French singer and songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. The sexually explicit song caused controversy and was banned by the BBC and condemned by the Vatican. However, it solidified Birkin’s place in the music industry.
Although Birkin was born in London, she made France her home in the late 1960s. Apart from her successful singing career and numerous film roles, she was admired for her warm nature and her unwavering advocacy for women’s and LGBT rights. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo described her as the ”most Parisian of the English” and praised her unforgettable songs, laughter, and unique accent.
Born in December 1946 to British actress Judy Campbell and Royal Navy commander David Birkin, Jane Birkin began her career at a young age. She first took to the stage at 17 and appeared in the 1965 musical “Passion Flower Hotel” by conductor and composer John Barry, whom she later married. However, their marriage ended in the late 1960s.
Birkin gained notoriety for her role in the controversial 1966 film “Blow-Up,” directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, where she appeared naked in a threesome sex scene. However, it was in France that she truly rose to fame, thanks to her relationship with Gainsbourg and her unique style and accent.
After her breakup with Gainsbourg in 1981, Birkin continued her successful career as a singer and actress. She released albums such as “Baby Alone in Babylone” in 1983 and “Amour des Feintes” in 1990, both featuring her signature style.
Such sad news. Jane Birkin was a true icon and remarkable talent. Her contributions to film and music will forever be cherished. Rest in peace, dear Jane.
What a devastating loss. Jane Birkin’s immense talent and unique contribution to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace.