History of Jane Birkin in Timeline
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: Early Acting and Musical Roles
In 1965, Jane Birkin appeared in an uncredited role in The Knack ...and How to Get It and in the musical The Passion Flower Hotel, with music by John Barry.
1965: First Film Role
In 1965, Jane Birkin had her first film role in Richard Lester's The Knack.
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.
1966: Role in Blowup
In 1966, Jane Birkin had a small role in Michelangelo Antonioni's Blowup, which gained notoriety due to her nude scene.
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: Starring Role in Wonderwall
In 1968, Jane Birkin had a starring role in Joe Massot's psychedelic film Wonderwall.
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.
October 1969: "Je t'aime" Chart History
In October 1969, "Je t'aime... moi non plus" made UK chart history, appearing at two different chart positions due to being released on different labels after the initial label withdrew the record due to controversy. It also became the biggest-selling single ever for a completely foreign-language record at that time.
1969: Release of "Je t'aime... moi non plus"
In 1969, Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg released the duet "Je t'aime... moi non plus," which caused a scandal due to its sexual explicitness and was banned by radio stations in several countries.
1969: Debut Album Release
In 1969, Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg released their debut album, Jane Birkin/Serge Gainsbourg.
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: Appearance on Gainsbourg's Album
In 1971, Jane Birkin appeared on Serge Gainsbourg's album Histoire de Melody Nelson.
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.
1973: Di doo dah Album Release
In 1973, Jane Birkin released the album Di doo dah, mainly written by Serge Gainsbourg.
1973: Return to Acting and Film Roles
In 1973, Jane Birkin returned to acting, playing Brigitte Bardot's lover in Don Juan, or If Don Juan Were a Woman and had a supporting role in Dark Places.
1975: Multiple Film Appearances
In 1975, Jane Birkin made five films, including La course a l'echalote and Je t'aime moi non plus, the latter directed by Gainsbourg and creating controversy.
1975: Lolita Go Home Album Release
In 1975, Jane Birkin released the album Lolita Go Home, mainly written by Serge Gainsbourg.
1976: Film Appearance
In 1976, Jane Birkin appeared in the film Je t'aime moi non plus, directed by Serge Gainsbourg.
1978: Appearance in Death on the Nile
In 1978, Jane Birkin appeared in Death on the Nile and modeled for Lee Cooper jeans advertisements.
1978: Death on the Nile
In 1978, Jane Birkin appeared in Death on the Nile.
1978: Ex-fan des sixties Album Release
In 1978, Jane Birkin released the album Ex-fan des sixties, mainly written by Serge Gainsbourg.
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: Egon Schiele Exzess und Bestrafung
In 1980, Jane Birkin appeared in Egon Schiele Exzess und Bestrafung as the mistress of Egon Schiele.
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.
1981: Starring Role in The Prodigal Daughter
In 1981, Jane Birkin starred as Anne in Jacques Doillon's La fille prodigue (The Prodigal Daughter), marking a turning point in her career as it was the first time her performance was well received.
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: Hermes Birkin bag design
In 1982 the Hermes Birkin bag was designed and later created after Jane Birkin met Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in 1983.
1982: Birth of Daughter Lou
In 1982, Jane Birkin and Jacques Doillon had a daughter, Lou.
1982: Evil Under the Sun
In 1982, Jane Birkin appeared in Evil Under the Sun.
1983: Love on the Ground
In 1983, Jane Birkin collaborated with Jacques Rivette in Love on the Ground.
1983: Baby Alone in Babylone Album Release
In 1983, Jane Birkin released the album Baby Alone in Babylone, her first collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg after their separation.
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.
1984: Starring Role in La Pirate
In 1984, Jane Birkin starred as Alma in Jacques Doillon's La pirate, for which she was nominated for a César Award.
1984: Creation of the Birkin Bag
In 1984, Jean-Louis Dumas created the Birkin bag for Jane Birkin, based on a 1982 design.
1985: Leave All Fair
In 1985, Jane Birkin co-starred with John Gielgud in Leave All Fair.
1985: Won "Best Actress" award
In 1985, Jane Birkin won the "Best Actress" award at the Orleans Film Festival for 'Leave All Fair'.
1987: Lost Song Album Release
In 1987, Jane Birkin released the album Lost Song, which was written by Serge Gainsbourg.
1990: Amours des feintes Album Release
In 1990, Jane Birkin released the album Amours des feintes, the last album Serge Gainsbourg wrote for her before his death.
March 1991: Death of Serge Gainsbourg
In March 1991, Serge Gainsbourg passed away from a heart attack.
1991: La Belle Noiseuse
In 1991, Jane Birkin collaborated with Jacques Rivette in La Belle Noiseuse and was nominated for a César Award.
1991: Death of Birkin's Father
In 1991, Jane Birkin's father, David Leslie Birkin, passed away.
1992: Victoires de la Musique Award
In 1992, Jane Birkin won Female Artist of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique.
1993: Separation from Jacques Doillon
In 1993, Jane Birkin and Jacques Doillon separated.
1995: The Trojan Women at the National Theatre
In 1995, Jane Birkin played one of the lead roles in Euripides' tragedy The Trojan Women at the National Theatre in London.
1998: A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries
In 1998, Jane Birkin appeared in James Ivory's A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries.
2001: Received OBE award
In 2001, Jane Birkin received an OBE award at Buckingham Palace in London.
2001: Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire
In 2001, Jane Birkin was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to acting and UK-French cultural relations.
2002: Merci Docteur Rey
In 2002, Jane Birkin appeared in Merci Docteur Rey.
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.
2002: Featured on Badly Drawn Boy album cover
In 2002, Jane Birkin's image was featured on the cover art of Badly Drawn Boy's album, 'Have You Fed the Fish?'. The album also featured backing vocals by her daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg.
2003: "Beauty" on Strong Currents Album
In 2003, Jane Birkin recorded the song "Beauty" on Hector Zazou's album Strong Currents.
2003: Le Divorce
In 2003, Jane Birkin sang "L'Anamour", composed by Gainsbourg, for the end title song of Le Divorce.
2004: Rendez-vous Album Release
In 2004, Jane Birkin released the album Rendez-vous, an album of duets.
2004: Awarded France's Ordre Nationale du Merite
In 2004, Jane Birkin was awarded France's Ordre Nationale du Merite.
2006: Elektra
In 2006, Jane Birkin played the title role in Elektra, directed by Philippe Calvario in France.
2006: Recorded and Released Album Fictions
In 2006, Jane Birkin recorded and released the album 'Fictions'.
2006: Fictions Album Release
In 2006, Jane Birkin released the album Fictions.
2008: Enfants d'hiver Album Release
In 2008, Jane Birkin released the album Enfants d'hiver.
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.
2010: Recorded Duet with Sérgio Dias
In 2010, Jane Birkin recorded a duet, 'Marie', with Brazilian singer Sérgio Dias. This appeared on 'We Are the Lilies', an album by Dias and French band Tahiti Boy and the Palmtree Family, which featured contributions from Iggy Pop and others.
2011: Reflection on Gainsbourg
In 2011, Jane Birkin reflected on her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg, noting his drinking habits and their enduring friendship.
2013: Appointed to the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres as Chevalier
In 2013, Jane Birkin and her daughter, Lou Doillon, were appointed to the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres as Chevaliers.
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.
2015: Awarded the French Ordre National du Mérite
In 2015, Jane Birkin was awarded the French Ordre National du Mérite.
2016: Advertising campaign and lead role in film
In 2016, Jane Birkin appeared in an advertising campaign for Yves Saint Laurent and also had the lead role in 'La femme et le TGV', a short film directed by Timo von Gunten.
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.
March 2017: Release of Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique
On March 2017, Jane Birkin released 'Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique', a collection of songs Gainsbourg wrote for her. The songs were reworked with full orchestral arrangements.
September 2017: Live performance in Brussels
In September 2017, Jane Birkin performed live in Brussels to promote her album 'Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique'.
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.
2017: Stated La femme et le TGV would be her final acting performance
In a 2017 interview, Jane Birkin stated that 'La femme et le TGV' would be her final acting performance and that she had no plans to return to acting.
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.
2022: Raised to Commandeur in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
In 2022, Jane Birkin was raised to the highest rank in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Commandeur.
July 2023: Jane Birkin's Death
In July 2023, Jane Birkin passed away, marking the end of her prolific career.
July 2023: Death in Paris
On July 2023, Jane Birkin was found dead at home in Paris at the age of 76.
