Childhood and Education Journey of Jane Birkin in Timeline
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.
1914: Birth of Birkin's Father
In 1914, Jane Birkin's father, David Leslie Birkin, was born.
December 1946: Birth in London
In December 1946, Jane Mallory Birkin was born in Marylebone, London.
December 1946: Jane Birkin's Birth
In December 1946, Jane Mallory Birkin was born. She would later become a British-French actress, singer, and designer.
1964: Met John Barry
In 1964, Jane Birkin met John Barry when he cast her in his musical, Passion Flower Hotel.
October 1965: Married John Barry
On October 1965, 18-year-old Jane Birkin married British composer and conductor John Barry in a private ceremony in London.
1965: Marriage to John Barry
In 1965, Jane Birkin married composer John Barry.
1966: Early Acting Roles
In 1966, Jane Birkin began her acting career, appearing in minor roles in films such as Michelangelo Antonioni's Blowup and Kaleidoscope.
1967: Birth of daughter Kate Barry
In 1967, Jane Birkin and John Barry had a daughter, Kate Barry, who later became a photographer.
1967: Birth of First Daughter
In 1967, Jane Birkin and John Barry had their first daughter, Kate.
1968: Divorce from John Barry
In 1968, Jane Birkin and John Barry divorced, and Birkin returned to live with her family in London.
1968: Met Serge Gainsbourg
In 1968, Jane Birkin met Serge Gainsbourg on the set of Slogan.
1968: Marriage to John Barry ended
In 1968, Jane Birkin's marriage to John Barry ended.
1969: Move in with Gainsbourg
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.
1969: Role in Slogan and Relocation to France
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.
1971: Birth of daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg
In 1971, Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg had a daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg, who became an actress and singer.
1971: Acting Break
In 1971, Jane Birkin took a break from acting after her daughter Charlotte was born.
1972: Acting Break
In 1972, Jane Birkin took a break from acting after her daughter Charlotte was born.
1980: Separation from Gainsbourg
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.
1980: Continued Career after Gainsbourg Separation
In 1980, after separating from Serge Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin continued her career as both an actress and a singer.
September 1982: Birth of daughter Lou Doillon
On September 1982, Jane Birkin gave birth to her third daughter, Lou Doillon, from her relationship with Jacques Doillon.
1982: Birth of Daughter Lou
In 1982, Jane Birkin and Jacques Doillon had a daughter, Lou.
1983: Met Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight
In 1983, Jane Birkin sat next to Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight, leading to the creation of the Birkin bag.
1993: Separation from Jacques Doillon
In 1993, Jane Birkin and Jacques Doillon separated.
2002: Campaigning Against the Far-Right
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.
2002: Diagnosed with leukemia
In 2002, Jane Birkin was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent treatment.
2010: Protested French government's policy towards undocumented migrants
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.
2011: Reflection on Gainsbourg
In 2011, Jane Birkin reflected on her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg, noting his drinking habits and their enduring friendship.
2015: Marched in Paris in support of refugees
In 2015, Jane Birkin marched in Paris in support of refugees.
2015: Requested name removal from Birkin Croco bag
In 2015, Jane Birkin requested that Hermès remove her name from the Birkin Croco bag due to concerns about the treatment of crocodiles.
2016: Final Film Role
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.
2017: Performed at a free concert against Marine Le Pen
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.
September 2018: Signed open letter on climate change
In September 2018, Jane Birkin signed an open letter published in Le Monde, urging politicians to act on climate change and biodiversity collapse.
2020: Recalled 1970s Paris
In 2020, Jane Birkin recalled 1970s Paris, describing it as a time of great innocence.
July 2021: Premiere of documentary Jane by Charlotte
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.
September 2021: Reported to be doing well after stroke
On September 2021, it was reported that Jane Birkin was doing well after having a stroke.
2021: Disclosure of Sleeping Pill Use
In 2021, Jane Birkin said she had started taking sleeping pills at 16 and never stopped.
2022: Cut her hair in support of Iranian women
In 2022, Jane Birkin cut her hair in support of Iranian women and girls protesting the death of Mahsa Amini.
July 2023: Death in Paris
On July 2023, Jane Birkin was found dead at home in Paris at the age of 76.
