Marianne Faithfull, the iconic English singer and actress, has sadly passed away.
The renowned singer died at the age of 78, according to her spokesperson.
Marianne Faithfull, who was born in Hampstead in December 1946, Faithfull rose to fame with her 1964 hit “As Tears Go By,” which reached the UK top 10. The singer also went on to star in movies. In act, she also starred in films such as 1968’s The Girl On A Motorcycle.
During the 1960s, Marianne Faithfull became romantically linked to Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Their romance inspired classic songs like “Wild Horses” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.
After infamously battling heroin addiction in the 1970s, Marianne Faithfull, made a triumphant comeback with the 1979 album Broken English, which became a defining work in her career.
Following her sad passing, Jagger paid tribute, calling Faithfull “a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress,” adding that he was “so saddened.” Keith Richards also expressed his grief, stating he would “miss her dearly.” Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood shared photos on Instagram, writing, “Marianne will be dearly missed. Bless her.”
A statement from her spokesperson confirmed her passing. Parts of the statement read: “Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, surrounded by her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
During her lifetime, Marianne Faithfull suffered from multiple health challenges, including bulimia, breast cancer, and emphysema from decades of smoking. In 2020, she survived a severe case of COVID-19 after being hospitalized for 22 days. She went on to release her 21st album, She Walks in Beauty, a year later.
Faithfull’s career was emblematic of the rock and roll era. Discovered at age 16 by the Rolling Stones’ manager, she became a symbol of the 1960s with her folk-pop style. Her debut album and North Country Maid (1966) made her part of the “British Invasion” in the US.
However, her relationship with Jagger turned her into a media sensation. After their breakup, she struggled with addiction and homelessness in Soho. She made a tentative return with Dreamin’ My Dreams (1976) but solidified her second act with the critically acclaimed Broken English, which earned a Grammy nomination.
In her later years, she collaborated with artists like PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Jarvis Cocker, Damon Albarn, Emmylou Harris, and Metallica. Lars Ulrich of Metallica thanked her for her “incredible and unique contribution to our music.”
Faithfull also had a successful acting career, performing in Three Sisters alongside Glenda Jackson and playing Ophelia in Hamlet. She made memorable appearances as God in Absolutely Fabulous and as the Devil in The Black Rider.
Her 2018 album Negative Capability reflected on ageing, loneliness, and grief, revisiting As Tears Go By in a deeply emotional rendition that moved the entire studio to tears.
Faithfull received numerous accolades, including the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Women’s World Awards and the title of commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris called her “an encapsulation of the sixties,” noting that while she was initially known as Jagger’s girlfriend, she ultimately established herself as a remarkable artist. He described her as “wonderful, intelligent, and from an aristocratic background, which shaped the way she carried herself.”
Marianne Faithfull was married and divorced three times—first to artist John Dunbar in 1965, then to Ben Brierly of punk band The Vibrators in 1979, and later to actor Giorgio Della Terza in 1988.
She is survived by her son, Nicholas Dunbar.
