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.
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
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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.

[@misternewoutlook5437]

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.

[@jackpavlik563]

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.

[@theoutlook55]

👍🏿

[@tygrkhat4087]

@@misternewoutlook5437 In the first "Book of Lists," Dick Clark gave a list of teen idols throughout history; his first teen idol was Mozart.

[@texasnannyjoe2049]

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!

[@Maxaldojo]

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

[@emmitstewart1921]

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.

[@n3glv]

Legends deserve to be remembered!

[@jimparsons6803]

Liked your presentation. Gives a realistic peek into the mechanisms of "acting."

[@mintybadger6905]

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.

[@ltlbuddha]

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.

[@georgemckenna462]

For my money the first "superstar" has gotta be Cleopatra and Richard Burton.

[@allenschmitz9644]

@@georgemckenna462 G.G. Allen works for me.

[@djquinn11]

I thought it was Moses, a mass of people followed him for 40 years in the dessert.

[@num1sooner]

@@djquinn11 weren’t talking about fairytale characters

[@workingguy6666]

Such an excellent episode, and what a driven woman.

[@immortaltyger1569]

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.

[@mellissadalby1402]

I have a new found admiration for her, thanks to your presentation of her magnificent story.

[@edwinwise6751]

Very well done… thanks

[@jhonwask]

I really liked this video about an almost forgotten star from over 100 years ago. Thanks

[@charlesseymour1482]

Great job on Sarah

[@stevencook9167]

Awesome story thank you for bringing her life to life so to speak.

[@davidrichie9570]

Excellent!

[@misolgit69]

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

[@jamesclendon4811]

You probably know that Steptoe and Son was adapted into the very popular Sanford and Son, starring Redd Foxx, here in the US.

[@chelinfusco6403]

@13:00 What a beautiful poster.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

~~~Thanks~~~

[@thenewberrym.c.914]

I would like to see your presentation for Fort Vancouver in Vancouver Washington USA.

[@SafetySpooon]

Your hair looks exceptionally nice in this one!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Well thank you!

[@jliller]

It's amazing the fame stage actors and actresses could occasionally achieve back then. Another example that comes to mind is John Wilkes Booth who was a famous actor from a famous family of actors before became a famous assassin. (The Booth family's stage careers might be worthy of a THG episode.)

[@underwaterlaser1687]

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.

[@johnmcgrew7128]

She is my great aunt. And how poetic, that I too, am an amputee. Right leg, above the knee.

[@AlanPereira69]

Yeah That happened

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I remember watching 👀 her in a Flo Ziegfeld diddy!

[@VeracityLH]

THG: That is a crackin bow tie! Bravo, sir!

[@JasonHitzert]

You gotta do the 1877 St. Louis General Strike and how it influenced the creation of the Veiled Prophet. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1877_St._Louis_general_strike

[@StrawB0ss]

If she was the "first celebrity" then what was Abelina Patti? Or Jenny Lind? Or Franz Liszt?

[@orbyfan]

Louis Moreau Gottschalk has been referred to as the first American "rock star."

[@quester09]

they were famous for their accomplishments, but Sarah was known beyond that.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Thank you History Guy and History Gal . Just wondering early. What kind of candy are you giving out this Halloween?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

We give out toys.

[@n3glv]

Don't forget the History Cat! Meow!!!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Do you make your own toys?

[@allenschmitz9644]

She had a 'thing' for Houdini.

[@juricamajnaric4898]

Wow

[@Johnnycdrums]

Can’t go wrong with gold coins.

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

Thanks to Lucky Luke, I have heard about her. =D

[@no_one_of_that_name_here]

She even met Lucky Luke

[@dianecheney4141]

Lola Montez

[@edward9674]

KITTTTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Strudel seems to be fascinated by filming. A budding new celebrity…

[@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"

[@jamesmiller4184]

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.

[@leifnelson6244]

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.

[@suzanneflowers2230]

It's my understanding that he was the first to sit with his profile to the audience.

[@glenchapman3899]

I would suggest Vavaldi carries that honor. He did invent the concept of the free form instrument solo.

[@theslof1]

What about Paganini? This is a wonderful clip, but it would be better if he learned to pronounce her name. And some of the other French references.

[@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."

[@andywomack3414]

One of many one of his best.

[@goes2112]

The first Kardashian? I don't think so because it seems she actually had talent.

[@jackpavlik563]

BOOM

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

I'm proud to say that everything I know about the Kardashians I know against my will. 😁

[@DeereX748]

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

[@sMASHsound]

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

[@faithreturns333]

I prefer - 🕰 history is written by the victors

[@Damons-Old-Soul]

I have said for a long time that I would rather be remembered through myth and legend than in any other way.

[@Damons-Old-Soul]

@@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.

[@jliller]

@@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.

[@janey783]

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

[@Bbbuddy]

And make a November crossing of the North Atlantic.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I have an autographed Cabinet Card of hers!

[@MemphiStig]

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

[@Paveway-chan]

Oooooooor, beauty is subjective

[@THE-HammerMan]

I was wondering how to say what you said so well. I need not add anything.

[@theoldgrowler3489]

Perspective is a fascinating thing.

[@korbell1089]

"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!

[@nanettemorton4054]

I laughed out loud at this!

[@67daltonknox]

She puts modern celebrities into perspective... the true mediocrity of, say, the Kardashians.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Take note Kardashians!

[@lisagoffstein8319]

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 🙂

[@jackpavlik563]

I had an loud opinionated coworker that I started calling “Falstaff”. He did not see the humor in it…

[@tygrkhat4087]

@@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.

[@madamesalamander16]

You're looking extra snazzy today! That shade of purple really suits you. Thanks as always for such a wonderful production.

[@yureituesday]

She’s actually beautiful, I’ve heard her mentioned but never actually seen her.

[@Lady_Chalk]

Ah! Another eccentric woman to idolize! She didn’t like the wooden prosthetics, so she had a sedan chair that she would be carried in. Excellent choice!

[@thomasdarby6084]

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.

[@dennisnicholson952]

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

[@darrylcherney9001]

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.

[@stevegrooms1142]

First celebrity? Hmm, I wonder. How about Evelyn Nesbit or William F. Cody? Or Lillie Langtry? Sarah Bernhardt was certainly fascinating in the way she managed her celebrity.

[@tygrkhat4087]

Evelyn was more an American thing, and Buffalo Bill and the Jersey Lily predate her; and with those two, you have a case.

[@jamesclendon4811]

Evelyn Nesbit no; her celebrity was more ephemeral, based on one salacious episode--think Monica Lewinski. Lillie Langtry was more like a minor league Bernhardt--similar but...lesser. Cody is a better example--some real accomplishment which he cleverly parlayed into widespread and lasting fame.

[@johnstevenson9956]

I think most of us knew of her, but few of us really knew anything about her.

[@JCO2002]

Man, that was a good one, thanks.

[@gregbrennan8426]

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

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Same here.

[@ronniewatkins]

Wonderfully researched Lance, thank you!!

[@you2angel1]

That was wonderful °~.☆.~° I think every culture needs an "Unsinkable Molly Brown"

[@pamelamays4186]

There should be a whole course about her that's taught to aspiring actors.

[@gregoryborlan747]

If Sarah Bernhardt were alive today, she’ll probably be an influencer on social media.

[@allenschmitz9644]

Yea like Rosie O'Donald.....lol'.

[@djquinn11]

She would be hosting Jeopardy

[@TheKulu42]

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.

[@dougearnest7590]

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?

[@ProperLogicalDebate]

14:22 The Man who Shot Liberty Valance quote about what to print came to mind.

[@Cleveland.Ironman]

When the legend becomes fact, print the legend!

[@jamesclendon4811]

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.

[@DawnOldham]

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!

[@earlyriser8998]

I had heard of Sarah Bernhardt but this is an excellent summary

[@allenschmitz9644]

Done in true Mason fashion.

[@davidschwartz5127]

This is the blueprint for today's celebrities

[@datasailor8132]

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.

[@orno8906]

My first acquaintance with the divine Sarah was through a biography of Oscar Wilde, who adored her. No surprise there!

[@jamesmiller4184]

For sure!

[@michaelleblanc7283]

“Oscar Wilde: 'Do you mind if I smoke?' Sarah Bernhardt: 'I don't care if you burn'” Sarah Bernhardt quote

[@mireillelebeau2513]

Can you talk of the other great french Icon Josephine Baker? Please? S'il-vous-plaît?

[@rutabagasteu]

I have several books of Alphonse Mucha prints. Fantastic.

[@stuartdollar9912]

Easily one of your most outstanding subjects and videos.

[@you2angel1]

That is an exquisite Bow Tie °~.☆.~° but I'm afraid it's outdone by the Kitty cat.

[@sMASHsound]

she was just larger than life...

[@SRW_]

Hey history guy. Can we get more kitty cameos? Also, love the videos

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Cats are included by their choice, not mine.

[@SRW_]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Ah!

[@thetowndrunk988]

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.

[@robwaddell7934]

This Was a good one

[@jdk9673]

I started this video without reading the title. I thought you said Sandra Bernhard and I was confused.

[@Akula114]

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.

[@timwatson3879]

Legend remains victorious, In spite of History.... would be quite fitting as an epitaph for you Sir!

[@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!

[@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.🗽🌄💐

[@hauntedmoodylady]

As one who values objective fact, I am soured, and disgusted when I hear, or admit myself that 'perception is more important than reality,' regardless it's true..

[@NoahSpurrier]

She was gorgeous.

[@rpbajb]

When we as children would cry or 'carry on', my Grandmother would always call us out with "Look at Sarah Bernhardt."

[@allenschmitz9644]

yep it ment tantrum.

[@matthewpoplawski8740]

AS ALWAYS THE HISTORY GUY, AN EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! Didn't know, until now, THE DIVINE SARAH was an amputee(me too.Same leg also). TWO SUGGESTIONS for for videos: Jenny Lind(THE SWEDISH NIGHTINGALE), and Lily Langtry(THE JERSEY LILY). If you've never seen it, check out the movie THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ROY BEAN. You'll find out how the town of Langtry, Texas got its name.🤔🤔🌞🌞🌞✌✌✌✌

[@davedoyle6835]

Ha, was thinking of our Sandra Bernhardt . First though, what ? really ?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I have not found a connection, but the modern comedienne spells her name "Bernhard."

[@davedoyle6835]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel yeah, had to do a double take and quick google .

[@saabreplay7553]

I love that cat my brother

[@dbmail545]

Modern celebrities are so tedious.

[@Traderjoe]

She was way better looking than the current star with the same name

[@toddrouch7526]

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.

[@susanwahl6322]

I love your kitty

[@christineparis5607]

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...

[@justme_gb]

Not considered attractive? I beg to differ.

[@billthompson5644]

You must truly be the master of research, because your videos are so incredible and absolutely mesmerizing.

[@allenschmitz9644]

What! for the stuff he left out?

[@v.e.7236]

As a kid, when you called someone a Sarah Bernhardt, you were denigrating them as being overly dramatic. Interestinghow language changes and morphs to the tides of time.

[@VeracityLH]

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. 👍😀❤

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

11:00 My knee hurts, could you please remove it?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

It isn't clear exactly what the malady was, but some sources suggest that she had an infection of gangrene.

[@chrispurzer9461]

Amazing personality....

[@yureituesday]

Kitty!