Who Is Jean Seberg? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jean Seberg was born on November 13, 1938, in Marshalltown, Iowa, USA. Renowned for her captivating performances and her role in the French New Wave cinema, Seberg became a symbol of the 1960s. With iconic films like "Breathless" and "Lilith," she left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Tragically, her life was cut short when she passed away on August 30, 1979, but her legacy continues to influence aspiring actors and filmmakers to this day.
| Occupation | Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 13, 1938 |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Birth Place | Marshalltown, Iowa, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 30 August, 1979 |
| Died Place | Paris, France |
Popularity
Jean Seberg's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In her prime, Jean Seberg stood at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and weighed around 110 pounds (50 kg). Her slender figure and striking features contributed to her status as a fashion icon during her era. While exact body measurements are often fluctuating due to the fashions of the time, she was famously known for her petite frame, with measurements speculated to be around 33-23-33 inches (84-58-84 cm).
Mylène Demongeot recalled in a 2015 filmed interview in Paris: "Otto had high hopes in Jean and Saint Joan 's failure took a toll on him also because there was a 5-films-contract from what I recall.
She was extremely sad too about it and when we all arrived on the set of Bonjour Tristesse she carried on her shoulders the weight of guilt, she was scared. And with that type of man, of character [Preminger] she shouldn't have shown fear, that's why I got along with him.
I was a supporting role, I didn't have the weight of the expected success of the film on my shoulders. I had no apprehension regarding him. When he screamed, I would turn and tell him [sarcastically] "you know, you shouldn't screech like that, you gonna get yourself a stroke". Such words would defuse him.
On the contrary, Jean was scared of him so he would take advantage and eventually became very mean to her."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Jean Seberg had notable relationships that attracted considerable media attention. While specific details may vary, she was famously married to French diplomat Romain Gary from 1962 to 1970, and the couple had one child together. Seberg was also linked to several high-profile figures in both Hollywood and the political scene. Throughout her life, her relationships reflected her adventurous spirit, which resonated in her on-screen performances. As of 2025, it’s acknowledged that Jean Seberg's legacy is deeply intertwined with her tumultuous romantic history, which charmed and shocked audiences worldwide.
Seberg died at the age of 40 in Paris, the French police ruling her death a probable suicide. Seberg's second ex-husband, Romain Gary, called a press conference shortly after her body was found, at which he blamed the FBI's campaign against Seberg for her mental demise.
Gary mentioned how the FBI had planted false rumors in the media that Seberg's pregnancy by Carlos Navarra in 1970 was by a Black Panther, and how the trauma had resulted in her overdosing on sleeping pills while pregnant. Gary stated that Seberg had attempted suicide on numerous anniversaries of the infant's death, August 25.
At the time of her death, Seberg was separated—though not divorced—from third husband Dennis Berry.
Net Worth and Salary
Jean Seberg's net worth at the time of her passing was estimated to be around $30 million. In today’s context, considering inflation and the resurgence of interest in her films and legacy, her estate’s value may have dramatically increased. It’s essential to remember that the bulk of her earnings came from her illustrious acting career, along with endorsements and collaborations that solidified her status as a Hollywood star.
Seberg and Gary later sued Newsweek for libel and defamation, asking for $200,000 in damages. She contended that she had become so upset after reading the story that she went into premature labor, which resulted in the death of her daughter.
A Paris court ordered Newsweek to pay the couple $10,800 in damages, and it ordered Newsweek to print the judgment in its publication and eight other newspapers.
Career, Business and Investments
Jean Seberg's career began at a young age, as she was discovered by a talent scout when she was just 17. Her breakout role in "Saint Joan" in 1957 launched her Hollywood career. She became a prominent actress in both American and European cinema, thanks to her work in films like "Breathless" (1960) and "Painted Angel" (1966). Beyond her film career, Seberg was also involved in various business ventures, including fashion collaborations, which showcased her unique style.
Investing in her passion for social justice and political activism, especially during the tumultuous 1960s, Seberg utilized her platform to advocate for civil rights, further etching her name into the annals of history. Her enduring influence can still be seen as many modern actresses look to her as a muse and an icon.
When she was cast on October 21, 1956, Seberg's only acting experience had been a single season of summer stock performances.
The film generated a great deal of publicity, but Seberg commented that she was "embarrassed by all the attention." Despite great hype, called in the press a "Pygmalion experiment", both the film and Seberg received poor reviews.
On the failure, she later told the press:"I am the greatest example of a very real fact, that all the publicity in the world will not make you a movie star if you are not also an actress."She also recounted:
Social Network
Jean Seberg’s legacy continues to thrive on social media platforms. While she does not have a personal account, her contributions to film and her life events are celebrated by dedicated fan pages on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Following hashtags like #JeanSeberg and #IconicActress brings together a community of fans who admire her artistry and activism.
"I have two memories of Saint Joan. The first was being burned at the stake in the picture. The second was being burned at the stake by the critics. The latter hurt more. I was scared like a rabbit and it showed on the screen. It was not a good experience at all. I started where most actresses end up."
Education
Jean Seberg attended the University of Iowa where she studied theater and was active in the arts scene. Although her studies were cut short due to her rise to fame, Seberg's educational experiences shaped her as an actor and an individual passionate about social issues. Her time at university was crucial not only to her development as an actress but also in inspiring her later activism.
In conclusion, Jean Seberg remains a fascinating figure in American cinema even in 2025. Her contributions as an actress, the complexity of her relationships, her societal impacts, and a lasting legacy continue to inspire new generations.
In Marshalltown, Seberg babysat Mary Supinger, some eight years her junior, who became stage and film actress Mary Beth Hurt. After high school, Seberg enrolled at the University of Iowa to study dramatic arts but took up filmmaking instead.
