Marianne Faithfull, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spanned more than six decades, has died at the age of 78, her representatives confirmed. She passed away peacefully in London, surrounded by her family.
Born on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, Faithfull rose to prominence in the 1960s after being discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham. She quickly became one of the defining voices of her generation with her debut single, “As Tears Go By,” written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Alongside her music career, Faithfull established herself as a respected actress, appearing in films such as The Girl on a Motorcycle and Marie Antoinette, as well as in numerous stage productions. Her high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger and the pressures of sudden fame were widely documented and contributed to a period of personal struggle during the 1970s, including battles with addiction.
Faithfull made a critically acclaimed comeback in 1979 with the album Broken English, which marked a turning point in her career and introduced a raw, deeply expressive vocal style that influenced generations of artists.
Despite ongoing health challenges, including a serious illness in recent years, she remained creatively active and continued to record and perform. Marianne Faithfull leaves behind a powerful artistic legacy, remembered for her distinctive voice, resilience, and lasting impact on music and culture.