 Photograph by Napoleon Sarony | Sarah Bernhardt (1845-1923) The famous French actress and comedienne traveled to and toured in America nine times, debuting in the States on November 8, 1880. Her performances were critically acclaimed and she was able to earn one thousand dollars per performance based on her reputation alone. Her autobiography, Memories of My Life was published in 1923.  Formal portrait of Bernhardt by Félix Nadar |