The Archivist: Few tears lost on famous sister in 1923

Saturday, March 26, marks the 100th anniversary of the death of "the Divine Sarah," French actress Sarah Bernhardt, who became the first international stage star.

Newspapers around the world, including The Daily Oklahoman, were announcing her passing and remembering her life.

On March 27, 1923, The Daily Oklahoman marked her death with several stories and photograph on Page 1.

An interesting sidebar, also appearing on Page 1 was the headline "Bernhardt's Brother Sheds No Tears Over Death of His Sister."

While the world mourned the passing of the "Divine Sarah" Monday night, an aged Frenchman sat in a little furniture repair shop in McAlester, his heart still filled with bitterness.

He was Joseph Bernhardt, 73 years old, who claims that Mme. Bernhardt was his half sister.

Only a solitary tear fell from the eyes of the bent old man when he was informed of the death of the famous actress.

"I have no pity, no sorrow," he said. "No friendship has existed between us for many years. When Sarah could have done much for me, she did nothing."

Joseph Bernhardt's claim to being a half brother of Mme. Bernhardt has never been disproved here where Bernhardt has made his home for twenty-five years.

It is said that Sarah Bernhardt once, while touring America, sent an emissary here to interview him but Bernhardt spurned his advances saying the few years each might have to live would not justify a reconciliation. (In 1906, Sarah Bernhardt appeared in Shawnee, Oklahoma City and Muskogee.)

Joseph Bernhardt was once an actor and a playwright. He lives alone now in modest quarters connected with his furniture repair and awning-making shop. His wife is dead.

Joseph Bernhardt was still living in McAlester according to the 1930 Census.

If you would like to contact Mary Phillips about The Archivist, email her at gapnmary@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: The Archivist: Few tears lost on famous sister in 1923