Marianne Faithfull was an English singer, actress, and writer who rose to fame in the 1960s with her hit song “As Tears Go By”, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. As one of the most influential figures of the British Invasion, Faithfull became a counterculture icon, known for her relationship with Mick Jagger, her distinctive voice, and her resilience through personal struggles.
Faithfull’s life took dramatic turns, from international stardom to heroin addiction and homelessness, only to stage an extraordinary comeback with the critically acclaimed album “Broken English” (1979). She continued releasing music, acting in films, and writing memoirs that detailed her tumultuous life and survival through addiction, homelessness, and illness.
In this article, we explore Marianne Faithfull’s age, height, career, net worth, family, relationships, health struggles, and her lasting impact on music and film.
Marianne Faithfull Short Details
Here’s a quick overview of Marianne Faithfull’s personal and professional details:
| Full Name | Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Marianne Faithfull |
| Profession | Singer, Actress, Writer |
| Hometown | Hampstead, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1946 |
| Date of Death | January 30, 2025 (aged 78) |
| Years Active | 1964–2023 |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouses | John Dunbar (m. 1965–1966) Ben Brierly (m. 1979–1986) Giorgio Della Terza (m. 1988–1991) |
| Children | Nicholas Dunbar (son) |
| Genres | Rock, Folk, Alternative, Blues, Jazz |
| Record Labels | Decca, Island, RCA, Virgin, Naïve |
| Notable Works | “As Tears Go By”, “Broken English”, “Strange Weather” |
| Website | mariannefaithfull.org.uk |
Early Life and Family Background
Marianne Faithfull was born on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London. She came from an aristocratic and artistic family:
- Her father, Major Robert Glynn Faithfull, was a British Army officer and a professor of Italian literature.
- Her mother, Eva von Sacher-Masoch, was an Austrian noblewoman and a ballerina.
- She was the great-great-niece of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, the author whose work inspired the term “masochism”.
- Her half-brother, Simon Faithfull, is a well-known artist.
After her parents’ divorce, Marianne was raised by her mother in Reading, Berkshire, and attended St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Convent School.
Music Career
1960s: Rise to Fame
Faithfull’s career began in 1964 when she was discovered at a Rolling Stones party by producer Andrew Loog Oldham. Her first single, “As Tears Go By”, was a top 10 hit in the UK and became one of the most famous songs of the decade.
She released several successful albums, including:
- Marianne Faithfull (1965)
- Come My Way (1965)
- North Country Maid (1966)
During this time, she became one of the biggest female artists of the British Invasion. However, her personal life—especially her relationship with Mick Jagger—began to overshadow her music.
1970s: Struggles with Addiction and Homelessness
Faithfull’s life spiraled downward in the early 1970s:
- She broke up with Mick Jagger in 1970.
- Lost custody of her son Nicholas Dunbar.
- Became homeless and addicted to heroin, living on the streets of Soho, London.
- Attempted suicide in 1970.
- Spent two years battling anorexia and drug addiction.
Despite her struggles, she re-emerged in 1976 with Dreamin’ My Dreams, which became a No. 1 hit in Ireland.
1979: Career Revival with “Broken English”
Faithfull staged a major comeback with “Broken English” (1979), which featured:
- “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” – One of her most famous songs.
- “Why D’Ya Do It?” – A raw, punk-inspired track.
- “Broken English” – Addressed terrorism in Europe.
The album was critically acclaimed and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
1980s–2020s: Continued Success
Faithfull continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including:
- Strange Weather (1987) – Jazz and blues influences.
- Before the Poison (2004) – A collaboration with Nick Cave and PJ Harvey.
- Negative Capability (2018) – A deeply personal album reflecting on aging and grief.
She released her final album, “She Walks in Beauty” (2021), featuring spoken poetry with music by Brian Eno and Nick Cave.
Acting Career
Faithfull also had a successful acting career, appearing in:
- The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968) – A cult classic.
- Hamlet (1969) – Played Ophelia.
- Marie Antoinette (2006) – Played Empress Maria Theresa.
- Irina Palm (2007) – Nominated for Best Actress at the European Film Awards.
She also appeared as God in “Absolutely Fabulous” and the Devil in “The Black Rider”.
Personal Life and Relationships
Marianne Faithfull had three marriages:
- John Dunbar (m. 1965–1966) – Had one son, Nicholas Dunbar.
- Ben Brierly (m. 1979–1986) – Bassist of the punk band The Vibrators.
- Giorgio Della Terza (m. 1988–1991) – Writer and actor.
Relationship with Mick Jagger
Faithfull had a high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger (1966–1970), which inspired several Rolling Stones songs:
- “Wild Horses”
- “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
- “Sister Morphine” (which she co-wrote).
Health Struggles and Death
Faithfull faced numerous health issues throughout her life:
- Breast cancer (2006) – Successfully treated.
- Hepatitis C (diagnosed in 1995).
- COVID-19 (2020) – Hospitalized for three weeks and suffered long-term effects.
She passed away peacefully in London on January 30, 2025, at the age of 78.
Marianne Faithfull Net Worth (2025)
| Source of Income | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Music Sales & Royalties | $5–7 million |
| Acting Career | $1–2 million |
| Book Sales | $500,000+ |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $8–10 million |
Lesser-Known Facts
- She was one of the first female rock stars of the 1960s.
- She co-wrote “Sister Morphine” with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
- She survived COVID-19 in 2020 despite being placed on palliative care.
- She lost her voice due to drug use but reinvented her singing style.
- She played God in “Absolutely Fabulous”.
Conclusion
Marianne Faithfull’s life was a testament to resilience. She rose from fame to addiction, homelessness, and illness, only to make one of the greatest comebacks in rock history. Her legacy in music, film, and literature continues to inspire artists worldwide.
“This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.”
