French cinema and cultural history lost one of its most indelible figures this weekend as Brigitte Bardot, the French actress whose image helped redefine 20th-century film and sexuality, has died at the age of 91, her foundation announced Sunday. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation said, cited by outlet Anadolu Ajansi, it was announcing her passing with “immense sadness,” paying tribute to her life as a world-renowned actress, singer, and dedicated animal rights campaigner.
According to the Associated Press, Bardot died in her home in southern France, although the cause of her death has not been disclosed, after she had been in hospital a month before: “No arrangements have yet been made for funeral or memorial services,” the outlet said.
Bardot’s death marks the end of a remarkable and often controversial journey — one that began in post-war Paris and took her from modeling and ballet to international screen superstardom before a dramatic reinvention as an animal welfare activist.
Brigitte Bardot, French film icon and cultural force, dies at 91
Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot was first noticed as a teenage model and ballet dancer. She graced the cover of Elle magazine at age 15, a sign of the allure that would come to define her public persona, People magazine recalls.
Her breakthrough came in 1956 with And God Created Woman (Et Dieu… créa la femme), directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. The film made her an international sensation and established her as a symbol of sexual liberation and cinematic glamour. It was a moment that helped propel French cinema into the global spotlight during the post-war era.
Over the next decade, Bardot became one of the most photographed women on the planet, starring in nearly 50 films that ranged from light romance to daring dramas. Highlights included La Parisienne, A Very Private Affair, Contempt (Le Mépris) — directed by Jean-Luc Godard — and The Truth, which showcased her range as an actress beyond her sex-symbol image.
An early retirement from acting
Yet for all her cinematic success, Bardot grew increasingly uncomfortable with the intense media attention and the typecasting that came with her early roles. In 1973, at just 39 years old and at the height of her fame, she shocked the film world by retiring from acting. Her final screen appearance was in the comedy The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot, after which she chose to devote her life to causes far removed from the glamour of cinema.
Her post-film years saw Bardot become one of the most prominent animal rights advocates in Europe. In 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which focused on animal welfare issues around the world — from campaigning against seal hunts to advocating for the humane treatment of stray dogs and cats. Her work inspired many and drew global attention to often overlooked animal-cruelty issues, according to The National News.
While widely celebrated for her contributions to animal welfare, Bardot’s later life was also marked by controversy. She became known for outspoken and divisive political statements on immigration, Islam, and national identity in France, which led to several convictions under French laws against inciting racial hatred. The Guardian reports that those remarks complicated her legacy, even as supporters emphasized her artistic and charitable impact.
Worldwide reactions
Tributes from French and international figures quickly followed the announcement of her death. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Bardot as a “legend,” acknowledging her unique place in French cultural history. Others, particularly on the political right, praised her passionate advocacy for French identity and tradition.
Bardot’s personal life was as public as her career. Married four times, she had one son and maintained high-profile relationships throughout her life. Despite the turbulence of her private affairs and her aversion to constant paparazzi attention, she remained a compelling presence for generations of fans around the world.
Her passing leaves behind a complex legacy: One of cinematic innovation, cultural transformation, and fervent advocacy. Whether remembered for her breakthrough performances, her role in redefining female sexuality on screen, or her tireless work for animals, Brigitte Bardot’s influence on cinema and culture endures.