Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull has passed away at the age of 78, according to a spokesperson, as reported by the Daily Mail. Tributes have been pouring in for the celebrated artist, best known for her hit song As Tears Go By, penned by The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Beyond her successful music career, Faithfull also made her mark in film and theatre, starring in movies such as The Girl on a Motorcycle and various stage productions.
The statement said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull.
‘Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.’
Marianne Faithfull was born on December 29, 1946. She was an English singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spanned over six decades. Rising to fame in the 1960s with her ethereal vocals and striking presence, she became one of the defining voices of the era.
Born in Hampstead, London, Faithfull came from an aristocratic background, with her father being a British Army officer and her mother a ballerina of Austro-Hungarian descent. She attended St Joseph’s Convent School, where she developed a love for literature and music. In 1964, her life changed when she was discovered at a Rolling Stones party by manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who helped launch her music career. That same year, she released As Tears Go By, a melancholic ballad written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Oldham, which became her first major hit.
Faithfull quickly became a fixture in the London scene, known not only for her music but also for her high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger. However, the pressures of fame and a turbulent personal life led to struggles with addiction, which contributed to a downturn in her career during the 1970s. Despite these challenges, she made a remarkable comeback with her 1979 album Broken English, an edgy and raw record that redefined her image and showcased her distinctive, husky vocals—forever changed by years of hardship.
In addition to music, Faithfull pursued acting, appearing in films such as The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968) and Marie Antoinette (2006), as well as numerous theatre productions. Her later albums, including Before the Poison (2004) and Give My Love to London (2014).
Throughout her life, Faithfull battled health issues, including a severe bout with COVID-19 in 2020, but she remained active in the industry.
