Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who revolutionized French cinema in the 1950s and became a global symbol of sexual liberation, has reportedly died at the age of 91.
The iconic figure, often referred to as “BB” in France, starred in nearly 50 films, including the seminal “And God Created Woman.” Bardot retired from acting in 1973, dedicating her life to animal welfare.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the nation’s loss, calling Bardot “a legend of the century.” The Brigitte Bardot Foundation also commemorated her as a “world-renowned actress.”
In later years, Bardot’s public image was marred by controversial remarks, including homophobic statements and multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which she founded, released a statement expressing “immense sadness” at her passing.
The animal welfare organization highlighted her transition from “a world-renowned actress and singer” to a passionate advocate, stating she “chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation.”
The foundation did not specify the location or time of Bardot’s death.
In a tribute, President Macron wrote: “Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne, Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom.
“French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century.”
Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure in French far-right politics, stated that France had lost “an exceptional woman, through her talent, her courage, her frankness, her beauty.”
Bardot’s husband since 1992 was Bernard d’Ormale, a former advisor to Jean-Marie Le Pen, the late far-right politician and Marine Le Pen’s father.
Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born in Paris in 1934 into a wealthy family who initially envisioned her as a ballerina.
Her appearance on the cover of Elle magazine as a teenager led to her discovery and subsequent rise to stardom in France, paving the way for her entry into the world of cinema.
She became known for iconic roles, most notably in the 1956 film “And God Created Woman,” directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, where she portrayed a sexually liberated woman.
The film sparked controversy in the United States, leading to bans in some states, while French existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir celebrated her as an icon of “absolute freedom.”
Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot achieved global fame with roles in films such as “The Truth,” which earned critical acclaim for her dramatic performance; “Contempt,” a Jean-Luc Godard masterpiece; and “Viva Maria!,” showcasing her comedic talents alongside Jeanne Moreau.
Beyond her most celebrated roles, Bardot displayed her versatility in films like “Love on a Pillow,” where she portrayed a complex, emotionally torn character, and “Two Weeks in September,” a romantic drama highlighting her ability to convey vulnerability.
In “The Bear and the Doll,” she brought playful charm to a comedic role, showcasing her range across genres. These films, while less renowned, underscored her ability to captivate audiences in diverse narratives.
In addition to her film work, Bardot is remembered as a fashion icon, with her signature blonde hair and bold eyeliner influencing beauty trends globally. After wearing an off-the-shoulder dress at Cannes in 1953, similar styles became known as the Bardot neckline.
She was married four times and had one son, Nicolas, with French actor and film producer Jacques Charrier, who passed away in September.
Nicolas later sued his mother for emotional distress after she wrote in an autobiography that she would have preferred to “give birth to a little dog.”
Bardot, ruthlessly marketed as a hedonistic sex symbol, expressed frustration with her ambition to be recognized as a serious actress.
At the height of her fame, she announced her retirement at the age of 39 to dedicate her life to animal welfare.
“I gave my youth and beauty to men, I give my wisdom and experience to animals,” Bardot famously declared.
In 1986, she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which focuses on the protection of wild and domestic animals.
She embraced vegetarianism, and in 2013, she even threatened to apply for Russian citizenship in protest against plans to euthanize two sick elephants in a French zoo.
In response to her death, France’s oldest animal protection association, The Société Protectrice des Animaux, paid tribute to an “iconic and passionate figure for the animal cause.”
Despite her cinematic achievements and dedication to animal welfare, Bardot leaves behind a complex legacy, marked by controversial statements later in life concerning Islam, gay people, and the #MeToo movement that impacted her reputation.
From the late 1990s, Bardot faced multiple fines for inciting racial hatred after making comments about Muslims online and in interviews. In 2008, she was fined €15,000 (£12,000) after complaining on her website that Muslims were “destroying our country by imposing their ways.”
Bardot’s 2003 book, “A Cry in the Silence,” sparked fierce criticism for its arguments that gay people, modern art, politicians, and immigrants were destroying French culture.
In 2018, Bardot also dismissed actresses who spoke out about sexual harassment through the #MeToo movement as “hypocritical, ridiculous, uninteresting.”
“There are many actresses who flirt with producers in order to get a role,” Bardot stated in an interview with French magazine Paris Match.
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