Singer, Actress & Fashion Icon Jane Birkin Dies at 76

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The music and entertainment industry are once again in mourning. On Sunday, July 16, the death of Jane Birkin was announced. The artist passed away at the age of 76, as reported by various French media outlets. The performer was found dead in her Paris residence after suffering a «minor stroke.»

Just a few days ago, Birkin, who was recovering from the stroke, announced the cancellation of her upcoming concerts with a very personal official statement: «I remain very optimistic, as always. That being said, I am aware that I need a few days to be able to return to the stage with all of you…».

Despite being born in London on April 14, 1946, the actress acquired French dual nationality after residing in the country since the late 1950s. She was married only once to the composer John Barry, and they had a daughter named Kate, who passed away in 2013. Later, she had two other relationships: one with Serge Gainsbourg, with whom she had a second daughter, Charlotte, also known in the world of entertainment, and Lou, an actress and singer, daughter of the French film director Jacques Doillon.

A Recognizable Voice from Afar

Jane Birkin became widely known for her iconic collaboration in the renowned film «Je t’aime… moi non plus» (1969) and for being the voice of the soundtrack, whose main theme had the same name as the movie and made a real impact.

 

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Her world was always linked to music, and though Gainsbourg was her composer, she continued recreating his songs from different perspectives after his death in 1991. She also collaborated with artists like MC Solaar and Françoise Hardy, as reflected in her 1998 album «A la légère.» From her music career, which began in 1969 until 2022, Birkin recorded 30 albums.

Her success is also the result of her work in cinema and a career that led her to participate in nearly a hundred films, some more renowned than others, including «La Piscina» (1969), «Death on the Nile» (1978), «Evil Under the Sun» (1982), «If Don Juan Were a Woman» (1973), «I Love You… I Don’t» (1976), among others.