Edie Sedgwick

Edie Sedgwick

Edie Sedgwick in 1965
Name	Edie Sedgwick
Birth name
Birth date	April 20, 1943
Birth place	Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
Death date	November 16, 1971
Death place	Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation	Actress, model, socialite
Years active	1965–1971
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Edith Minturn Sedgwick (April 20, 1943 – November 16, 1971) was an American actress, model, and socialite, known for being a muse to Andy Warhol and a prominent figure in the 1960s New York City art scene. She became a cultural icon and is often remembered for her unique style and tragic life.

Early Life

Edie Sedgwick was born into a prominent family in Santa Barbara, California. She was the seventh of eight children born to Alice Delano de Forest and Francis Minturn Sedgwick. Her family was wealthy and influential, with a lineage that included Theodore Sedgwick, a delegate to the Continental Congress.

Edie's early life was marked by privilege but also by family dysfunction. Her father, known as "Fuzzy," was a sculptor and rancher who struggled with mental health issues. Edie herself battled with anorexia nervosa during her teenage years, which led to several hospitalizations.

Career

In 1964, Edie moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling and acting. She quickly became a part of the city's vibrant art scene and met Andy Warhol at a party in 1965. Warhol was captivated by Edie's charisma and style, and she soon became one of his "Warhol Superstars."

Edie starred in several of Warhol's underground films, including Poor Little Rich Girl and Vinyl. Her presence in these films, along with her appearances at Warhol's Factory, made her a central figure in the 1960s counterculture movement.

Personal Life

Edie's personal life was tumultuous. She was known for her striking beauty and bohemian style, often wearing leotards, mini dresses, and large chandelier earrings. However, she also struggled with substance abuse, which was exacerbated by her involvement in the fast-paced New York art scene.

In 1966, Edie left Warhol's circle and attempted to establish herself as an independent actress. She moved to California and appeared in the film Ciao! Manhattan, which was released posthumously in 1972.

Death

Edie Sedgwick died on November 16, 1971, at the age of 28, from an overdose of barbiturates. Her death was ruled as "undetermined/accident/suicide." She was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard, California.

Legacy

Edie Sedgwick remains an enduring icon of the 1960s. Her life and style have inspired numerous books, films, and songs. She is often remembered as a symbol of the era's glamour and excess, as well as its darker undercurrents.

Also see

• Andy Warhol
• The Factory (Warhol)
• Warhol Superstars
• Ciao! Manhattan
• 1960s counterculture