Jane Birkin: 76 Years Old
In July 2023, we bid a fond farewell to the legendary Jane Birkin, a multifaceted English singer, actor, and ardent admirer of all things French. At age 76, she left us, her vibrant spirit undiminished. Despite grappling with health challenges, including a minor stroke a few years prior, Jane continued to make her indelible mark on the world. In her later years, she ventured into politically charged music, earning an O.B.E. in 2001 for her contributions to acting and promoting Anglo-French cultural ties.
However, her fearless role in Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1966 masterpiece, “Blow-Up,” propelled her to stardom. Who could forget her sultry vocals in the daring 1969 duet with Serge Gainsbourg, “Je t’aime… moi non plus”? Despite facing the B.B.C.’s ban and the Vatican’s condemnation for its provocative nature, this song became a global symbol of liberation. Jane and Gainsbourg’s creative partnership endured until his passing in 1991, marking a six-decade-spanning singing career filled with passion and groundbreaking artistry.
