Sarah Bernhardt Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sarah Bernhardt.

Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was a renowned French stage actress and one of the most famous celebrities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was born in Paris to a Dutch courtesan mother and an unknown father. Growing up, Bernhardt displayed a natural talent for acting and honed her skills at the Paris Conservatoire.

Known as "The Divine Sarah," Bernhardt made her debut at the Comédie-Française in 1862, quickly gaining recognition for her dramatic and emotionally intense performances. Her groundbreaking portrayals and mesmerizing stage presence earned her international acclaim. Bernhardt was celebrated for her bold interpretations of classic roles such as Hamlet, Phèdre, and Cleopatra, making her a pioneer in challenging traditional gender norms in theater.

Alongside her brilliant stage career, Bernhardt also achieved success in silent films and as a sculptor, establishing herself as a true Renaissance woman. Ambitious and adventurous, she toured extensively around the world, captivating audiences in Europe, the United States, and beyond. Bernhardt was known for her exotic personality, love for animals, and her ever-present cigarette, which became her trademark.

Sarah Bernhardt's life was as dramatic offstage as it was on. She overcame numerous personal challenges and health issues, including a leg amputation late in her career, continuing to perform with a prosthetic limb. Her uncompromising dedication to her craft and her fiercely independent spirit cemented her status as an icon of the theater. Even today, Sarah Bernhardt is remembered as one of the greatest stage actresses in history.