Renowned singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull has sadly passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by her spokesperson on Thursday. The announcement expressed deep sadness over the loss of the talented artist, revealing that Faithfull peacefully departed in London surrounded by her loving family.
Faithfull rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “As Tears Go By,” a song penned by The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, with whom she had a well-known romantic relationship. Discovered at a London party by The Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham in 1964, Faithfull was only 16 when her iconic song was released.
Throughout her illustrious career spanning over five decades, Faithfull not only made a mark in the music industry but also ventured into acting. She starred in films such as Girl on a Motorcycle (1968) and Hamlet (1969), showcasing her diverse talents.
Despite her early success, Faithfull faced personal struggles, including a prolonged battle with drug addiction in the late 1960s. However, she made a triumphant return to creativity in the subsequent years, marking a series of comebacks.
In 2020, it was announced that actress Lucy Boynton would portray Faithfull in a biopic, a project that the singer-songwriter expressed excitement about. Additionally, Faithfull utilized the challenging period of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2021 to write an album, although she also grappled with a severe infection during that time.
Reflecting on her extraordinary and tumultuous life, Faithfull penned a memoir titled Faithfull in 1994, where she famously wrote, “Never apologize, never explain - didn’t we always say that? Well, I haven’t and I don’t.” Her legacy as a trailblazing artist and her resilience in the face of adversity will continue to inspire generations to come.
