Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jane Birkin. From birth to education, explore key events.
Jane Birkin (1946-2023) was a British-French icon, renowned for her work as an actress and singer. Though British, she gained significant recognition in France, particularly in French cinema. Her career spanned decades and she became a style icon, known for her effortless chic and association with Hermès, leading to the creation of the iconic Birkin bag named after her. Her legacy extends beyond her artistic achievements; she was a symbol of Anglo-French cultural exchange and a muse for many.
In 1914, Jane Birkin's father, David Leslie Birkin, was born.
In December 1946, Jane Mallory Birkin was born in Marylebone, London.
In December 1946, Jane Mallory Birkin was born. She would later become a British-French actress, singer, and designer.
In 1964, Jane Birkin met John Barry when he cast her in his musical, Passion Flower Hotel.
On October 1965, 18-year-old Jane Birkin married British composer and conductor John Barry in a private ceremony in London.
In 1965, Jane Birkin married composer John Barry.
In 1966, Jane Birkin began her acting career, appearing in minor roles in films such as Michelangelo Antonioni's Blowup and Kaleidoscope.
In 1967, Jane Birkin and John Barry had a daughter, Kate Barry, who later became a photographer.
In 1967, Jane Birkin and John Barry had their first daughter, Kate.
In 1968, Jane Birkin and John Barry divorced, and Birkin returned to live with her family in London.
In 1968, Jane Birkin met Serge Gainsbourg on the set of Slogan.
In 1968, Jane Birkin's marriage to John Barry ended.
In 1969, Jane Birkin divorced Barry, moved in with Serge Gainsbourg in Paris, appeared in films such as Les Chemins de Katmandou and La Piscine, and sang backing vocals on Gainsbourg's album l'Histoire de Melody Nelson.
In 1969, Jane Birkin met Serge Gainsbourg when she auditioned for Slogan, won the role despite not speaking French, and relocated to France permanently. She also performed with him on the film's theme song.
In 1971, Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg had a daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg, who became an actress and singer.
In 1971, Jane Birkin took a break from acting after her daughter Charlotte was born.
In 1972, Jane Birkin took a break from acting after her daughter Charlotte was born.
By 1980, Jane Birkin had become disillusioned with Serge Gainsbourg and left him, buying a house in Paris. They remained on good terms and shared custody of their daughter.
In 1980, after separating from Serge Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin continued her career as both an actress and a singer.
On September 1982, Jane Birkin gave birth to her third daughter, Lou Doillon, from her relationship with Jacques Doillon.
In 1982, Jane Birkin and Jacques Doillon had a daughter, Lou.
In 1983, Jane Birkin sat next to Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight, leading to the creation of the Birkin bag.
In 1993, Jane Birkin and Jacques Doillon separated.
In 2002, Jane Birkin campaigned against the far-right in France, participating in a protest denouncing the qualification of Jean-Marie Le Pen in the second round of the presidential election.
In 2002, Jane Birkin was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent treatment.
In 2010, Jane Birkin demonstrated support for immigrants, denouncing the French government's policy towards undocumented migrants and protested outside the residence of the Minister of Immigration.
In 2011, Jane Birkin reflected on her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg, noting his drinking habits and their enduring friendship.
In 2015, Jane Birkin marched in Paris in support of refugees.
In 2015, Jane Birkin requested that Hermès remove her name from the Birkin Croco bag due to concerns about the treatment of crocodiles.
In 2016, Jane Birkin starred in the Academy Award-nominated short film La femme et le TGV, which she indicated would be her final film role.
In 2017, Jane Birkin performed at a free concert at the Place de la République organized in opposition to Marine Le Pen in the 2017 presidential election.
In September 2018, Jane Birkin signed an open letter published in Le Monde, urging politicians to act on climate change and biodiversity collapse.
In 2020, Jane Birkin recalled 1970s Paris, describing it as a time of great innocence.
In July 2021, the premiere of the documentary Jane by Charlotte, about Jane Birkin's relationship with her daughter Charlotte, was one of her last public appearances.
On September 2021, it was reported that Jane Birkin was doing well after having a stroke.
In 2021, Jane Birkin said she had started taking sleeping pills at 16 and never stopped.
In 2022, Jane Birkin cut her hair in support of Iranian women and girls protesting the death of Mahsa Amini.
On July 2023, Jane Birkin was found dead at home in Paris at the age of 76.