Paw Prints Anecdotes: Sarah Bernhardt

Paw Prints Anecdotes

Short, humorous stories about people
in politics, history, and the arts.

Sarah Bernhardt
(1844–1923)

Anecdote...

An admirer of a certain young English performer was discussing her acting with Sarah Bernhardt, who was not at all convinced of the young woman's talent. "But surely," said the man, "you will at least admit that she has some wonderful moments."

"Maybe, but also some terrible half-hours," countered Sarah.

Biographical Note...

French actress. Her beautiful voice, the grace of her movements, and her fiery personality made Sarah Bernhardt one of the most famous actresses of her day. She was very thin, with a pale face and frizzy red hair. But she was acclaimed everywhere as "the Divine Sarah." Her real name was Henriette-Rosine Bernard. She was born in Paris, France, and later studied acting at the Paris Conservatory. After she became a star in the 1870s, she opened the Sarah Bernhardt Theater in Paris, which she managed until her death. Her most popular role was in "The Lady of the Camellias," known in America as "Camille."

In 1914, when Sarah Bernhardt was 70, one of her legs had to be amputated following an accident. After that, she acted from a chair but still performed all over the world. In World War I, she acted for the troops near the front line of battle and was awarded the Legion of Honor.

More Information...

READ a short biography of Sarah Bernhardt.

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