Sarah Bernhardt: The World's First Celebrity

Before social media and summer blockbusters, before even the concept of a “movie star,” one extraordinary woman created the blueprint for the stars of today. Without a single tweet, having never posted on instagram, the woman who has been described as “the world’s first celebrity” captivated king and commoner. The History Guy remembers Sarah Bernhardt.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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Script by MEB

#history #thehistoryguy #sarahbernhardt

[TheHistoryGuyChannel]

There is a lot of discussion over the meaning of "the first celebrity." The term has often been used to apply to Sarah Bernhardt because of her early understanding of manipulating an image via mass media, setting, in many ways, the blueprint for the modern concept of celebrity. But such terms are always subjective and, to a point, hyperbolic, and the use of the moniker in the title was not meant to denigrate the many famous people throughout history. Of course, respectful discussion on the subject is welcome.

[Maxaldojo]

"We who are at the end of life, forget to fear..." Love this woman! Thanks, THG.

[sMASHsound]

'legend remains victorious, in spite of history' that was profound.

[HugoHugunin]

Lance, I have to say that I view this video as one of your best. It "flowed" easily and I found myself wanting to know this person, personally. You created a connection with your audience to a historical figure who "deserves to be remembered."

[DeereX]

I knew her name, but little understood her true stature. Another great story you told.

[janey]

*has leg chopped off in her 70's*
"Yeah, let's go out into the battlefield and perform plays!"
What. A. LEGEND.

[lisagoffstein]

My British mother always referred to my sister as Sarah Bernhardt for what my mom perceived to be too much drama. I haven't thought about that for a long time . Thanks for the video 🙂

[thomasdarby]

I wonder how many modern "celebrities, " famous just for being famous, would give of themselves as Sarah Bernhardt did? She was not only talented as an actress, she was highly intelligent and capable in many disciplines. There will never be another like her.

[raydunakin]

In a similar vein, Franz Liszt could be considered the first "rock star". His fans went into such frenzies that the obsession was dubbed "Lisztomania"

[darrylcherney]

That was a real tear jerker. Thank you. I''ve never commented before but when I was a child in the 1960's my mother used to refer to Sarah Bernhardt in reference to my sister's melodramatics or those of others. So as late as the 1960's, her name was a household word. So I wanted to educate myself a little more and I thank you for this moving piece.

[MJMucha]

In high school, I discovered Sarah and a love of performing on stage and later, screen. I even memories Hamlet, hoping to one day portray Hamlet on stage, as she had. I collected posters of her by Alphonse Marie Mucha and even doodled the name of “Mucha” on a wedding booklet of my sisters. Years later, I met a man who would become my husband and his last name was Mucha! (How is that for destiny!?) I no longer perform on stage, and didn’t even achieve a minuscule amount of fame that she did, though it brought me great joy to perform. I am 61 now, but still proudly display a Mucha poster of her.
Thank you for presenting a story of this marvelous woman!

[emmitstewart]

She was a legend in her own time, and parts of that legend lives down to this day. I love that this episode gives us a more complete glimpse of the reality behind that legend. She was truly a great lady of the stage and a great woman in her offstage life as well.

[dennisnicholson]

I had heard about Sarah Bernhardt but knew little about her. Thanks, History Guy, for revealing to me what a remarkable person she was.

[chuckkottke]

Wow, I had no clue that Sarah Bernhardt had done so much for France and for the world! My scant knowledge of her came from our old Worldbook encyclopedia set, the entry for her was but half a page, yet she deserved a whole section! Thank you History Guy for this window into her life, character, contributions, and impact of this first true and truly deserving celebrity.🗽🌄💐

[gregbrennan]

One of the best ones yet...tear in my eye...what an awesome woman..thanx thg

[christineparis]

I've read several books on Sarah, and I loved that she was an entertainer until she died. It was just her soul and reason for living. She never seemed to ever complain, always gave her all, and cheerfully worked, well, or ill, all her life. Both my mom and dad had ancestors in theatre and movies, and some of that magic seemed to sift down to both of them. They both loved "performing" at parties, and always seemed larger than life to their friends, which delighted them and they entertained constantly. I think some people are just born to act...

[Akula]

I've been in love with Mme Bernhardt ever since my senior year at high school, 1973, when we put on an evening of one-act plays, our opening bill was "Sarah B. Divine!" Hell, I even married the lead actress! Anyway, it was a fun show, one I recommend, as I do this channel. Thanks for another memorable story.

[joelongo]

54 and i never heard of her before, amazing story. Just amazing how much history i really dont know, Thank you for your channel.

[stuartdollar]

Easily one of your most outstanding subjects and videos.

[MemphiStig]

i can't imagine anyone could consider her looks "unremarkable." they must have been jealous; they usually are. she was lovely.