Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was a French stage actress, who has often been called "the most famous actress in the history of the world". She made her fame on the stages of Europe in the 1870s, and went on to work in the United States. She gained the nickname "The Divine Sarah" for her serious acting style.

During a performance of 'La Tosca' in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1906, Bernhardt performed her usual stunt of leaping from the wall of the fortress, however, the mattress on which she was supposed to land had been positioned incorrectly. Bernhardt landed on her right knee and fainted from the pain. She refused to be treated at a foreign hospital and sailed by ship to New York, by which time her leg had swollen. After resting for 15 days, she returned to France.

Despite the injury to her leg, she continued to go on tour every summer. She was often unable to perform an entire play, only selected acts. In 1914, her physician discovered that gangrene had developed on her injured leg. As a result, her leg was amputated almost to the hip. With only one leg, Bernhardt continued to act on stage. Scenes were arranged so she could be seated or supported by a prop.

Following her operation, Bernhardt played the titular role in the 1916 film 'Jeanne Doré' as well as in several plays. In 1922, she collapsed during a dress rehearsal and briefly went into a coma. The following year she collapsed again and passed away on 26th March 1923.

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