Sarah Bernhardt: The World's First Celebrity
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- 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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Script by MEB
#history #thehistoryguy #sarahbernhardt
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.
I get it that your intention was not make definitive claim on anything. I took it as you say, hyperbolic, for the display and presentation of the video. Just as if it was, "Rudy Vallee - The World's First Teen Idol." It's an attractive title with a little advertising hyperbole, nothing more.
I enjoyed this story on SB, and didn’t take issue with the term “celebrity” it seemed like an apt description of SB. All of you keyboard warriors please go somewhere else and let us enjoy the great work THG produces.
👍🏿
@@misternewoutlook5437 In the first "Book of Lists," Dick Clark gave a list of teen idols throughout history; his first teen idol was Mozart.
Alexander the Great remains a celebrity to this day. So do many other historical figures. So, perhaps the term "media celebrity" would be more appropriate? I do enjoy your stuff!
"We who are at the end of life, forget to fear..." Love this woman! Thanks, THG.
*has leg chopped off in her 70's*
"Yeah, let's go out into the battlefield and perform plays!"
What. A. LEGEND.
And make a November crossing of the North Atlantic.
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."
One of many one of his best.
'legend remains victorious, in spite of history' that was profound.
I prefer -
🕰 history is written by the victors
I have said for a long time that I would rather be remembered through myth and legend than in any other way.
@@faithreturns333 More than that quote: "History is a set of lies agreed upon." -Napoleon Bonaparte; is the one that seems to ring most true anymore.
@@faithreturns333 Not always. The Confederate South and some of the Nazis are two examples where the losers' version of history for a long time became the accepted one.
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 🙂
I had an loud opinionated coworker that I started calling “Falstaff”. He did not see the humor in it…
@@jackpavlik563 At a job I had 25 years ago, at the end of one Friday, there were four people running our department. On Monday morning, there was only one. A few days later, talking to a co-worker, I called it our "Night of the Long Knives." She laughed, and I was glad she got the reference. Because I know people who wouldn't.
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"
Indeed-so, raydunakin!
And also a full generation-and-a-half before Bernhardt's birth. (Liszt, Ferenc 1811-1886)
Bernhardt was an actress, an elocutionist (voice acting of the day, for which recordings exist) and unique personality.
Franz Liszt was of genius-class intellect, THE top virtuoso piano instrumentalist of his day and, as according to serious musicological authority, to-this-day-still.
Liszt's abilities/talents/politics and, status earned as an Abbey, are incontestable. Also, he was a great teacher, who's benefited following were nearly all worshipful, and-so far after his demise.
And, I must not forget the master's many, many compositions for various, many of which are perpetually in the repertoire, as they likely will continue to be. To play again any ONE of them, is to invoke-anew that which was original. As for the Madame, what of SUCH equivalence of hers is there?
Granted: Bernhardt visited the U.S. whereas Maitre Liszt did not, trekking only as far as England. That Bernhardt's existence and career were that full 1.5 generations succeeding, the 'why' of this is quite easy to comprehend.
In Art, this writer is NOT a friend of competitions nor of competitive armchair contesting, believing THAT always beneath IT, deep-down into 'the mundane'?
That stated, I therefor demur re the assertion of this presenter, that Bernhardt was THE FIRST.
(For this, would I here better plea 'sorrow,' as according with the gentleman's prefatory advisement? I leave it to the crowd to judge.)
And, thanks very much, raydunakin, for putting-in your good word for an eternal legend-incomparable.
I was about to mention Liszt. He was also one of the first famous people to become an "endorser" as he promoted Boesendorfer pianos as the only piano that could endure his playing for an entire concert.
It's my understanding that he was the first to sit with his profile to the audience.
Reportedly, Liszt was also the most photographed person of the 19th century.
I would suggest Vavaldi carries that honor. He did invent the concept of the free form instrument solo.
i can't imagine anyone could consider her looks "unremarkable." they must have been jealous; they usually are. she was lovely.
Oooooooor, beauty is subjective
I was wondering how to say what you said so well. I need not add anything.
I knew her name, but little understood her true stature. Another great story you told.
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.
I always figured Lord Byron was the first “superstar”. People were camping outside his gates everywhere he stayed. Ah well, Sarah’s a good story too.
The difference is that George Gordon Byron was a Lord. Noblemen with followings is a different thing, even if his fame went beyond only that.
For my money the first "superstar" has gotta be Cleopatra and Richard Burton.
@@georgemckenna462 G.G. Allen works for me.
I thought it was Moses, a mass of people followed him for 40 years in the dessert.
@@djquinn11 weren’t talking about fairytale characters
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.
Perspective is a fascinating thing.
"At one point she bought a coffin to sleep in."
Michael Jackson: "Write that down!"
I have heard that name for years but until now I actually didn't know who she was. What an awesome and independent woman she was!
I laughed out loud at this!
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.
I had heard about Sarah Bernhardt but knew little about her. Thanks, History Guy, for revealing to me what a remarkable person she was.
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!
One of the best ones yet...tear in my eye...what an awesome woman..thanx thg
Same here.
Legends deserve to be remembered!
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.
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...
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.🗽🌄💐
54 and i never heard of her before, amazing story. Just amazing how much history i really dont know, Thank you for your channel.
Liked your presentation. Gives a realistic peek into the mechanisms of "acting."
I received my Pirate Coffee mug today. It is quite beautiful. This was the second one, the first having broken in transit. Fortunately I had an excellent experience with THG’s fulfillment people at Spring. No fuss and a replacement was soon on its way.
You're looking extra snazzy today! That shade of purple really suits you. Thanks as always for such a wonderful production.
I had heard of Sarah Bernhardt but this is an excellent summary
Done in true Mason fashion.
14:22 The Man who Shot Liberty Valance quote about what to print came to mind.
When the legend becomes fact, print the legend!
I was going to look up that quote to make sure I got it right, and then post it after I finished reading the comments. Thanks for saving me the effort.
Wow..... What an Awesome woman, to come from so little and become so large, at a time when most women were seen as objects and not as individuals. To overcome such adversity many times over. And then to even be so successful so late in life, even after the loss of a limb. Thank you for sharing her story with us.
One quality of Sarah Bernhard that you might have missed was her legendary presence on stage. Sarah was certainly remembered thru out her life and for generations later. Great podcast once again, I greatly admired your knowledge. Thank you and my compliance to your staff.
Oddly, I had heard of her, but knew only that she was an actress a long time ago. It is wonderful to hear about this wonderful woman's life, and I am impressed, very impressed, by that classy lady, Sarah Bernhardt. Thanks for telling us about her!
Wonderfully researched Lance, thank you!!
Sarah Bernhardt also stars in a murder mystery. She joins the Prince of Wales, also known to his friends as Bertie, in "Bertie and the Crime of Passion" by Peter Lovesey.
I enjoyed this video immensely. I love biographies and learning about people in history through your channel is one of my favorite things about your channel. I’d heard of her, but knew nothing of her. But as of today, that has changed. Thank you, THG!
Easily one of your most outstanding subjects and videos.
Thank you History Guy for remembering Sarah Bernhardt. She was All Women in One person. 80 years ago, everybody would've known who she was.
Maybe I'll finally sell her biography now.
She’s actually beautiful, I’ve heard her mentioned but never actually seen her.
History Guy: Sarah Bernhardt may have charmed the world, but your presentation of her life is one of your best narratives - one might even say charming.
Fascinating life! Thank you for sharing, THG!
There should be a whole course about her that's taught to aspiring actors.
When we as children would cry or 'carry on', my Grandmother would always call us out with "Look at Sarah Bernhardt."
yep it ment tantrum.
Man, that was a good one, thanks.
I most remember, or know of, Sarah Bernhardt from the mention she gets in the Marilyn Monroe film, "The Seven Year Itch," in which Marilyn, (as "the Girl') speaks of Sarah as a role model.
Wow, I have seen you pop up on my recommend list for ages, I've always enjoyed your historical videos!
We post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can avoid the random recommended list and find them all at TheHistoryGuy.com
Best episode in a long time. Thanks, y'all!
You must truly be the master of research, because your videos are so incredible and absolutely mesmerizing.
What! for the stuff he left out?
I’d love to see you cover Timothy Dexter sometime. His is a very fascinating story, and I’m willing to bet most people have no idea who he was.
This was great! Thank you for putting it together.
Such an excellent episode, and what a driven woman.
Terrific commentary on an amazing woman. Amazing as an actress, definitely ahead of her time, and amazing as a person, exemplifying grace and compassion.
Thank you for your intriguing videos; I smile whenever you pop up in my queue, knowing I will enjoy learning something new about my world and its history. Cheers. 👍😀❤
back in the early 60s here in UK we had a BBC comedy series called Steptoe and Son the premis was a father and son Rag and Bone business (scrap metal old furniture etc) of the back of a horse and cart well one day the son obtains a very old 'what the butler saw' machine when he operated it it was turn of the century porn featuring his father the writing milks the situation for all it's worth at the end of show they're discussing the fathers youth he revealed he had theatrical ambitions "they said I danced like Sarah Bernhardt" to which the son replies dead pan," dad Sarah Bernhardt had a wooden leg" cue canned laughter end of show Now, I had vaguely heard of Sarah Bernhardt but I always wondered about her leg....now I finally know thank you
You probably know that Steptoe and Son was adapted into the very popular Sanford and Son, starring Redd Foxx, here in the US.
I have several books of Alphonse Mucha prints. Fantastic.
Imagine being a wounded soldier and waking to find Sarah Bernhardt is your nurse. How many of them wondered if they might have died and gone to Heaven?
i have heard her name...many time over my 55yrs...but i never actually knew who she was...thank you
I have an autographed Cabinet Card of hers!
Very, very interesting! A name I knew but didn't know, images I had seen and didn't know. You made a connection for me - thank you!
I knew virtually nothing of this woman, other than her name. Great episode.
I remember when I was a kid that whenever my little sister would act up or throw a tantrum my dad would say to her "who do you think you are, Sara Bernhardt?" I had no idea who Sara was but I knew it involved great drama.
Always entertaining,and informative.Thank you.
Legend remains victorious, In spite of History.... would be quite fitting as an epitaph for you Sir!
So good I watched it twice!
Another interesting character I had never heard of. Thanks History Guy.
Most Excellent!!!
I hesitated to like this lesson today. Simply because I can’t stand celebrity, nor celebrity worship. I truly think it is one of the major downfalls of our society and has contributed to so much misery and perversion. But nevertheless I liked the video anyways. Because I can’t deny the eloquent professionalism that you continually show throughout each one of these history lessons that you delivered to us. And that it’s self is worth notation.
There is nothing wrong with exalting talent, goodwill and brilliance
Thank you for bringing back to life the story of this long forgoten remarkable person
She also played Hamlet in 1899, age 55, in a French adaptation of the play. I saw photos of her in costume in a theater museum in Stratford-upon-Avon once.
I just keep saying. Another Great Job History Guy.
Found this page after watching the excellent 'Bernhardt/Hamlet' stage production in Melbourne. Thanks for the information ❤❤❤
Awesome story thank you for bringing her life to life so to speak.
I have a new found admiration for her, thanks to your presentation of her magnificent story.
Thank you, an excellent presentation. I viewed the Sarah Bernhardt exhibition au Petit Palais in Paris yesterday. It marks the centenary of her death. Marvelous exhibition. Your presentation augments Sarah’s extraordinary career.
My first acquaintance with the divine Sarah was through a biography of Oscar Wilde, who adored her. No surprise there!
For sure!
“Oscar Wilde: 'Do you mind if I smoke?' Sarah Bernhardt: 'I don't care if you burn'”
Sarah Bernhardt quote
Thank you Lance !
It is always a pleasure to listen to your story's of history, thanks.
Love The History Guy’s Chanel, he does a great job with his research.
thank you so much great love
I'm 67 years old. When I was growing up as the middle sibling of 5 girls, when there was a lot of drama and frustration, my mother always referred to me as Sara Bernhardt. I never knew (until adulthood) who she was referring to, but it felt like it meant something dramatic.
This Was a good one
Thank you.
Thank you for filling the gap in my knowledge of Sarah Bernhardt. I learned so much, as I often do, when listening to the History Guy.
Very interesting episode! Thanks.
If Sarah Bernhardt were alive today, she’ll probably be an influencer on social media.
Yea like Rosie O'Donald.....lol'.
She would be hosting Jeopardy
Love your videos. Keep them coming, can’t wait for your next topic.
I would like to see your presentation for Fort Vancouver in Vancouver Washington USA.
Wow what a story. You never disappoint HG. Well done.
I have been in community theater a long time but I hardly know anything nothing about her, Now I do. THNKX!!
Great video! What a wonderful legend and historical contributor to the world theatre she was.
I thought I knew... But never realized. Thank you history guy. You deserve to be remembered.
I really liked this video about an almost forgotten star from over 100 years ago. Thanks
Wonderful!
Great video, liked and shared. No, really. I learned something new. Thank you.
History Guy...you tell a GREAT story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love your cat's past life portrait!
I love those and considering for my Monty.
Excellent!
Very well done… thanks
Another good one!😁👍
Amazing personality....
Excellent video! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your work!
I was born on the 38th anniversary of her death. Unrelated, I think, my daughter was born with a melodramatic personality that earned her the nickname, "Sarah," for Sarah Bernhardt.
This is the blueprint for today's celebrities