2023 has been a devastating year as we have lost many icons, from Paul O'Grady to Tina Turner.
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On 16 July 2023, Jane Birkin, actor, writer and musician, was found dead at her Paris apartment. The woman, who many know through her tumultuous relationship with Serge Gainsbourg, passed away after years of battling health issues. She was 76.
Throughout her life, Birkin took on many roles. She started her career as an actress in Antonioni’s Blowup in 1966. The London-born actress then made waves in France when she started being in a relationship with singer, songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.
While Birkin worked several jobs throughout her life, her most significant role was the one of mother to her three daughters. They were born from three different relationships.
So, who are they and what will they inherit from their iconic mother?
Who are Jane Birkin’s daughters?
As mentioned above, Jane Birkin gave birth to three daughters.
Kate Barry
The eldest is Kate Barry. She was born in 1967 from the union between Birkin and composer John Barry. Kate worked as a photographer. Birkin’s first born died in 2013 after falling to her death from her Paris apartment located on the 5th floor. While rumours of suicide are floating around, French magazine, Gala reports that the ‘cause of the fall was never discovered.’
Gala also reports that the death of her eldest child was the ‘source of many regrets’ for Jane Birkin. Following the death of her child, Birkin confessed that she became very depressed and that she had ‘failed’ as a mother.
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Jane Birkin’s second child is Charlotte Gainsbourg, born from the relationship she had with French icon Serge Gainsbourg. Charlotte was born in 1971 and became the ‘child star’ of the family. Indeed, she became the symbol of the union between two icons, embodying the mix of the two. Charlotte was quickly in the spotlight.
Jane Birkin and Charlotte Gainsbourg were known to be very close and Charlotte directed a documentary called Jane by Charlotte.
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Lou Doillon
Finally, Jane Birkin had her third daughter, Lou Doillon. Lou is the daughter of French filmmaker Jacques Doillon. While Charlotte turned to film, Lou turned to music.
Jane Birkin, was known for being very close to her daughters and to her six grandchildren.
How much was Jane Birkin worth?
Over the years working as an actress, writer and musician, Jane Birkin amassed a significant fortune.
Indeed, she was reportedly worth $20 million. However, Jane Birkin’s inheritance will not only come from her money. According to French publication Public, Jane Birkin once bought several homes, one in Paris and another in Bretagne. However, while we know the Bretagne mansion was sold, we don’t know for how much.
Moreover, Jane Birkin herself said that she made quite a bit of money from working as an actress.
In Paris Match she explained:
I managed to buy my own house in Normandy where we would go as often as possible so we could escape Serge’s rules. Rue de Verneuil, that was like living in an art gallery. Whereas Cresseveuille offered a wilder life where the kids were free all day (...)
On top of houses and money, her daughters will be left with Jane Birkin’s legacy in fashion as well as in music. Music that should also be a source of revenue in the years to come.
At the time of writing this article, we do not know how much or what her daughters will inherit. Details about Jane Birkin's inheritance are yet to be announced.
Read more:Royal family: The reality of living in royal homes is not as glamorous as you think
Sources:
Gala: Mort de Jane Birkin : la mort de sa fille Kate Barry, le drame de sa vie
Gala: Mort de Jane Birkin : quelles étaient ses relations avec ses filles Charlotte Gainsbourg et Lou Doillon?
Public: Fortune de Jane Birkin : quel héritage laisse-t-elle à ses deux filles, Charlotte Gainsbourg et Lou Doillon ?