Marianne Faithfull, the legendary British singer, songwriter, and actress, has passed away at the age of 78. Her spokesperson confirmed that she died peacefully in London, surrounded by her family.
Faithfull is best known for her 1960s hit “As Tears Go By,” written by The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. She was discovered at just 16 years old in 1964 at a party in London by Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham. The song quickly became a hit, launching her career.
Over her long career, Faithfull not only made music but also pursued acting, starring in the 1968 film “Girl on a Motorcycle” and “Hamlet” in 1969. However, her life was marred by a long battle with drug addiction during the late 1960s. Despite these struggles, she made notable comebacks in later decades, creating new music and gaining new fans.
In 2020, a biopic about her life was announced, with actress Lucy Boynton set to portray her. However, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and by August 2022, Boynton departed from the project citing creative differences. As of now, the biopic has not been completed, and there is no confirmed release date.
Faithfull’s extraordinary life was reflected in her 1994 memoir, Faithfull, where she famously wrote, “Never apologize, never explain—didn’t we always say that? Well, I haven’t and I don’t.”
A true icon, Marianne Faithfull’s music and legacy will be remembered fondly by fans worldwide.
