Jane Birkin was a British and French actress and singer. She attained international fame and notability for her decade-long musical and romantic partnership with Serge Gainsbourg. She also had a prolific career as an actress, mostly in French cinema.
Bio/Wiki
Age-76 years
Height-1.73m
Weight-58kg
Born-14 December 1946
Birthplace – Marylebone, London, United Kingdom
Full name-Jane Mallory Birkin
Died-16 July 2023
Death place – Paris, France
Profession-Singer and Actress
Spouse-John Barry (m. 1965–1968)
Grandchildren- Alice Attal, Ben Attal, Roman de Kermadec, Marlowe Jack Tiger Mitchell
Nationality-British
Family
Her mother, Judy Campbell, was a well-known English actress known for her stage performances. Her father, David Birkin, served as a Royal Navy lieutenant commander and also worked as a spy during World War II. Jane had a brother named Andrew Birkin, who later became a screenwriter and director. Additionally, her niece is Sophie Hunter, who is known for her work as a theater and opera director.
Husband
Jane Birkin married the British composer and conductor John Barry in 1965. They had a daughter named Kate Barry in 1967, but their marriage ended in divorce in the late 1960s.
Her most well-known relationship was with the French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. They met while working on the film “Slogan” in 1968 and had a passionate romance that lasted for over a decade. Together, they created the iconic song “Je t’aime…moi non plus” in 1969, which gained international attention. They also had a daughter named Charlotte Gainsbourg in 1971, who later became a successful actress and singer.
Although their relationship ended in 1980, Jane and Serge remained close friends until Gainsbourg’s death in 1991.
Afterward, She married with French film director Jacques Doillon in 1981. They had a daughter named Lou Doillon in 1982, but their marriage ended in divorce later on.
Daughters
Jane Mallory Birkin has three daughters from different relationships:
- Kate Barry: Born on April 8, 1967, Kate Barry was Jane Birkin’s daughter with her first husband, John Barry. She became a talented photographer, working with various fashion magazines and celebrities. Sadly, Kate Barry passed away on December 11, 2013, at the age of 46.
- Charlotte Gainsbourg: Jane Birkin’s daughter with Serge Gainsbourg, born on July 21, 1971.
- Lou Doillon: Born on September 4, 1982, Lou Doillon is Jane Birkin’s daughter with French film director Jacques Doillon.
Career
Jane Mallory Birkin, known simply as Jane Birkin, has had a versatile and successful career as an actress, singer, and fashion icon. Here are some key highlights of her career:
Acting Career:
Jane Birkin’s acting career took off in the 1960s. She gained early recognition for her role in the controversial 1966 film “Blow-Up,” directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. The film’s explicit content and Birkin’s performance garnered attention.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she appeared in several French films, solidifying her status as a rising star in French cinema.
Birkin starred in several successful movies, including “Slogan” (1969) and “La Piscine” (1969), both of which she acted alongside her partner, Serge Gainsbourg. She continued to work in the film industry throughout the 1970s and 1980s, collaborating with notable directors and fellow actors.
Musical Career:
Jane Birkin’s most significant musical collaboration was with Serge Gainsbourg. Their romantic and creative partnership led to the iconic and controversial song “Je t’aime…moi non plus” in 1969, which became an international hit.
She released numerous successful albums and singles in the 1970s and beyond, showcasing her distinctive, breathy singing voice. Some of her notable albums include “Di doo dah” (1973), “Ex fan des sixties” (1978), and “Amours des Feintes” (1990).
Fashion and Iconic Bag:
Birkin’s influence extended beyond her artistic endeavors. Her unique style and fashion sense made her a fashion icon, often celebrated for her effortless and bohemian chic looks.
In the 1980s, Jane Birkin inadvertently inspired the creation of the Hermès Birkin Bag. After a chance encounter with Jean-Louis Dumas, the former chief executive of Hermès, on an airplane, she
expressed her frustration with finding the perfect bag. Dumas then designed the iconic bag, which quickly became one of the most sought-after and luxurious fashion accessories in the world.
Advocacy and Humanitarian Work:
Throughout her career, Jane Birkin has been actively involved in various humanitarian causes, advocating for human rights, women’s rights, and environmental issues. She has worked with organizations such as Amnesty International and Greenpeace, using her fame to raise awareness and support various charitable efforts.
Jane Birkin’s career has left an indelible mark on the worlds of film, music, fashion, and activism. Her contributions to the arts and her commitment to making a positive impact on society continue to be recognized and admired.
Net Worth 2023
At the time of her passing, Jane Birkin’s estimated net worth was approximately $20 million, which she had earned through her successful career as an actress and singer.
Cause of Death
On 16 July 2023, She was found dead at home in Paris. No cause of death was disclosed. The premiere of the documentary Jane by Charlotte, about Birkin’s relationship with her daughter Charlotte, on 8 July 2021, was one of her last public appearances. Her funeral took place at the Church of Saint-Roch in the 1st arrondissement of Paris on the morning of July 24.
