Do you know who was the first ever celebrity ?
This celebrity had set the example to the world that no women are uncapable.
He who is incapable of feeling strong passions, of being shaken by anger, of living in every sense of the word, will never be a good actor.
Did you like to ask questions to yourself and traying to find answer for that quest may be yes you did, like that my brain popped up question a “who was the first ever celebrity ?” and this is my journey how I found answer for this and what I have found.
And I began to start finding answer to my question and search started from Google and I found it easily not taking much time, google have make it way more easier to learn anything from anywhere isn’t it ? Imagine if I was searching answer for this question at the time of this celebrity it would have take me more than decade.
When you first think of first ever celebrity, definitely you would have imagine tall and handsome charming man like I was but actually the first ever celebrity was not a male actually a female and more interesting is that she played many various roles of both male and female on the stages. And after reading about her my reactions was like Wow ! Just WoW!, imagine at that time where no women are allowed to do work like a man but this women had set the example to the world that no women are uncapable and this thing inspire me to write this article hope you will enjoy. lets do it …
In the midst of the 19th century, a girl named Henriette Rosine Bernard was born in October 1844. Little did anyone know that this child would grow up to become one of the most influential figures in the world of entertainment and fame.
She began her journey as an actress with a passion that burned brighter than the footlights on any stage. Henriette, however, was not destined to be confined by her birth name. She would become Sarah Bernhardt, a name that would echo throughout history.
Sarah’s ascent in the world of theater was nothing short of remarkable. Her big break came in 1869 when she took the stage in François Coppée’s “Le Passant” and left the audience in awe.
Soon, she became a regular at the Comédie-Française, one of Paris’s most prestigious theaters. Roles as iconic figures like Joan of Arc, Phaedra, and Cleopatra showcased her incredible talent and charisma.
Yet, Sarah was more than just an actress. She was a trailblazer who refused to adhere to societal expectations. At a time when women wearing pants was illegal, Sarah proudly donned them, challenging conventional gender roles. Her defiance didn’t stop there; she engaged in a love affair with the female artist Louise Abbéma, openly rejecting traditional norms.
What set Sarah apart was her unrelenting spirit. She was ahead of her time, understanding the power of self-promotion and the cultivation of her own image. She wasn’t afraid to be unconventional, even posing for a photograph while reclining in a coffin. Her fame wasn’t confined to the stage; she capitalized on it, starring in advertising campaigns and selling branded merchandise.
Sarah’s approach to fame was a game-changer. She knew that image, marketing, and publicity were just as important as talent.
As a result, reporters followed her every move, and fans sought her autograph wherever she went. Her career spanned continents, and her magnetic charisma caught the attention of luminaries like Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain.
But what truly made Sarah Bernhardt unique was her understanding of the relationship between celebrities, their audiences, and the media. She grasped that stars wield power not just on the stage but also in how they engage with the public and the press.
As time passed, Sarah’s influence only grew. Her death in 1923, at the age of 79, was met with an outpouring of popular emotion. It foreshadowed the cult followings of the great film stars of the 20th century.
Her legacy continues to be celebrated, and the exhibition at the Petit Palais in Paris offers a profound insight into her life and career.
Sarah Bernhardt was more than an actress; she was a pioneer, a maverick, and a woman who fearlessly broke boundaries to pursue her vision of greatness.
Her story serves as a testament to the enduring power of being unapologetically oneself and the impact that one individual can have on the course of history.
And that's that story, comment down if you have actually liked it .
Thank you !
