France’s Culture Ministry and French media reported that actress and singer Jane Birkin, who charmed the country with her English style, and unique French accent, is dead.
According to French media, Liberation and BFM TV, Birkin was found dead at her home in Paris. French newspaper Le Figaro also reported that Birkin had suffered from some health issues in the past few years that limited her public appearances and prevented her from performing in shows.
Birkins was said to have had a mild stroke in 2021, which made her cancel shows that year. Her shows were again canceled in March after she suffered a broken shoulder blade.
A return performance in May was also canceled after Birkin said she needed a bit more time and promised her fans she would see them again come the fall.
Jane Birkin, the 36-year-old British-born star who made France her home was popular for her style of fashion and for her musical and romantic relationship with her former and late French lover and singer Serge Gainsbourg.
The two were popular for their erotic song “Je t’aime moi non plus,” with Birkin’s ethereal, British-accented singing voice interlacing with his gruff baritone. She also appeared in many films including roles in 1966’s “Blow-Up” and 1978’s “Death on the Nile.”
Jane Birkin is also known as the inspiration behind the Birkin bag, a designer purse made by Hermès. The exclusive and scarce bags, which sell from $9,000 to $500,000, are loved by celebrities such as the Kardashians, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham, and Lady Gaga.
Back in France, Jane Birkin is also known for her political activism. She joined other French stars in 2022, in cutting off hair in support of Iranian women protesting oppressive modesty laws. Charlotte Gainsbourg, Birkin’s daughter with Gainsbourg, cut off a lock of her mother’s hair to honor Mahsa Amini, who died after being arrested by Iran’s morality police.
