Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress who redefined 20th-century cinema as a global sex symbol before pivoting to a life of militant animal rights activism and controversial political firebrands, died Sunday at her home in southern France. She was 91.
Her death was confirmed by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. While no specific cause of death was provided, officials noted she had been hospitalized last month.
From screen siren to national emblem
Bardot skyrocketed to international fame in 1956 with the film And God Created Woman, directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim. The film’s provocative sensuality broke cultural taboos and established Bardot as the face of the sexual revolution and French New Wave hedonism.
Her influence was so pervasive that in 1969, her likeness was chosen for Marianne, the official national emblem of the French Republic. Despite her professional success, Bardot often struggled with the pressures of stardom, later revealing a history of depression and multiple suicide attempts triggered by the relentless pursuit of the paparazzi.
A life dedicated to animals
At the age of 39, Bardot abruptly retired from acting to devote herself to animal welfare. In 1986, she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, funded by the sale of her personal jewelry and memorabilia.
Her activism was characterized by a "take-no-prisoners" approach. She famously campaigned against the slaughter of baby seals in the Arctic, the consumption of dog meat in South Korea and horse meat in France and the use of animals in laboratory testing.
Political controversy and convictions
In her later years, Bardot’s public image became increasingly polarized. Her marriage to Bernard d’Ormale, a former adviser to the far-right National Front, signaled a shift toward extremist politics.
Between 1997 and 2008, Bardot was convicted five times in French courts for inciting racial hatred. These charges stemmed from her vocal opposition to immigration and her "diatribes" against Muslim ritual slaughter. Despite the legal fallout, she remained a steadfast supporter of the Le Pen family and the National Rally party.
Legacy
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the late star, stating, "We are mourning a legend." While her political views remained divisive, her impact on both the film industry and the global animal rights movement remains undisputed.
Bardot is survived by her son, Nicolas Charrier. Per her foundation's request, no immediate funeral arrangements have been announced.
.
