Sarah Bernhardt

Sarah Bernhardt, circa 1864

Some said that Sarah Bernhardt was the greatest actress ever. "The Divine Sarah," they called her. Whether or not she was the greatest is a matter of debate. Her special place in theatrical history, however, is undeniable.

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Sarah was born as Henriette-Rosine Bernard on October 22, 1844, in Paris, France, to Julie, a courtesan who moved in high society circles and a father who is believed to be Edouard Bernard. The young couple never settled together, and Edouard was largely absent from his daughter's life. Though he did help financially support Julie with Sarah's upbringing and partook in some decision making. Sarah writes of him in her memoirs, though never by name, saying, "My father was as 'handsome as a god,' and I used to look at him with pride. I did not know him well, as I saw him so rarely, but I loved him for his seductive voice and his slow, gentle gestures. He commanded a certain respect, and I noticed that even my exuberant aunt calmed down in his presence."