Jane Birkin’s parents were Judy Campbell, an actress, and David Birkin, a Navy officer. They were married for 48 years which saw the birth of their three children, Andrew Birkin, Linda Mary Birkin, and Jane who is the eldest.
Even though, Jane’s parents died many years ago, history still remembers them. Not just for their daughter’s fame and influence but also for their contributions to humanity as well as the entertainment industry which still lives on. Here’s all we know about them.
Jane Birkin’s Parents Were Married For Almost Half a Century
The parents of Jane Birkin, Judy Campbell, and David Birkin got married in 1943 in a ceremony that was witnessed by close friends and family members. Their years together saw the birth of three children- a son, Andrew Birkin, and two daughters Jane Birkin and Linda Mary Birkin.
Speaking on her parent’s marriage Jane revealed that her father was a jealous man who struggled with the celebrity status of his wife. As such, he never encouraged her mother’s career in the entertainment industry. Nonetheless, they recorded 48 years together until her father’s death in 1991, and 13 years later, her mother also passed on.
Meet Jane Birkin’s Father, David Birkin
He Suffered Health Complications as a Youth
Jane’s father David Birkin was born sometime in 1914 to his father, a First World War Veteran, and his mother.
Growing up, David was often in the hospital following complications from a bungled sinus operation he had at the age of 17. Consequently, he underwent 34 more operations which left him with double vision, bleeding lungs, and chronic headaches. Nonetheless, he had always wanted to be in the army like his father and brothers and when the opportunity came, he didn’t need to think further.
David Birkin worked as a Navel Officer
He started training as a telegraphist and later joined the Navy Wireless School in 1941. Though his seasickness made him unfit to join military service his connection to people of influence including Brendan Bracken (minister of information) and Mountbatten who reportedly put out a word for him made him fit for the position of the 15th MGBF, a secret organization.
He worked as a Lieutenant-commander in the Royal Army as a navigator in a clandestine naval unit and also served as a spy in World War II. He was required to take British spies across the Channel to France on moonless days and also expected to bring stranded airmen home as well as escaped POWs.
Recalling this, Jane said his job was indeed dangerous and despite his physical disabilities, his performance was without fault. He was very committed to this cause that he won the Distinguished Service Cross. Jane said her father was a pacifist at heart and found it fulfilling to save lives rather than take them.
Birkin’s Father Resolved to a Private life as a Diary Farmer after the War
Years after World War II, Jane’s father David Birkin was offered a job by the SIS but he declined. Rather he settled for a simple life as a dairy father in Berkshire and years later, he worked as a probation officer.
Asides from this, Jane revealed that her father was a great storyteller and during his free time, he told them stories about the war.
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Meet Janes Mother Judy Campbell
She was from Grantham, Lincolnshire, England
Jane Birkin’s mother was born Judith Mary Gamble on May 31, 1916. However, she was more famed as Judy Campbell and was raised in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England.
Her father John Arthur Gamble was a theatre proprietor and playwright while her mother Mary Fulton forged a path in the entertainment industry as an actress. Her family was well respected and influential thanks to their connection with the Conservative Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Thatcher, Margaret.
As for her education, she was first enrolled at the Kesteven and Grantham Girls School before moving to St Michaels Convent, East Grinstead, Sussex.
Jane’s Mother Judy Campbell was also an Actress
Apparently, Jane took her acting prowess from her mother who was a well-known film, television, and stage actress. Judy Campbell made her stage debut in 1935 at the age of 19. She appeared as a Guest in The Last of Mrs. Cheyney at the Theatre Royal.
Five years later, she appeared in the British comedy thriller, Saloon Bar (1940) and her first major film role came in 1941 in the stage musical, Lady Behave. She soon became one of the highly sought actresses in the 50s and later appeared in films such as Breach of Promise (1942), The World Owes Me a Living (1945), Green for Danger (1947), and Future Force (1989)
She also recorded a number of roles on television and TV films some of which include; The Tamer Tamed (1956), Don’t Listen Ladies (1963), Inspector Morse (1987), and The Forsyte Saga (2002) which was her last movie appearance before he death in 2004 at the age of 88.
