Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French sex symbol of the 1960s who later became a prominent animal rights activist, has passed away at the age of 91. The news was confirmed by Bruno Jacquelin from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for Animal Protection, who mentioned that she died at her home in southern France, although the cause of death hasn’t been disclosed. Arrangements for a funeral or memorial service are still pending, and it’s worth noting she had been hospitalized the previous month.
Bardot shot to fame with her role as a sensual teenage bride in the 1956 film “And God Created Woman.” Directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, the film sparked controversy, especially with a scene showcasing her dancing naked on a table, which turned heads everywhere.
Throughout her film career, which included around 28 movies and three marriages, Bardot became a symbol of a cultural shift in French society. Her carefree blonde locks, curvy figure, and rebellious spirit made her an unforgettable star.
By 1969, her beauty was so widely recognized that her features were selected to represent “Marianne,” the national emblem of France, seen on statues, stamps, and even coins.
Notably, Bardot’s second life as an animal rights activist was marked by significant undertakings. She raised awareness about baby seal slaughter in the North Pole, criticized animal experimentation, and opposed sending monkeys into space. In a 2007 interview, she famously expressed her disdain for human indifference towards animal suffering, stating that glory meant little in the face of such pain.
Her activism earned her the prestigious Légion d’Honneur in 1985, solidifying her impact in France. However, her later life saw her fall from grace in the public eye. Some comments regarding animal rights took an extreme turn, and her far-right political views—especially regarding immigration—faced backlash. Bardot was convicted multiple times for inciting racial hatred, largely due to her remarks surrounding Islamic practices.
Her 1992 marriage to Bernard Dormal, associated with a nationalist party, further influenced her political stance. In 2012, Bardot stirred debate once again by endorsing Marine Le Pen’s presidential candidacy, and her remarks during the #MeToo movement in 2018, which criticized actors speaking out against harassment, struck many as hypocritical.
A Complex Past
Bardot was born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot on September 28, 1934, into an affluent family. Her early years were a mix of privilege and strict upbringing; she once noted her father was an authoritarian figure. Discovered while taking ballet lessons, she found herself on the cover of Elle at just 14.
The film “And God Created Woman” was pivotal to her career—it not only showcased her provocative side but also significantly influenced the New Wave movement. Despite being a box office hit, Bardot later candidly reflected on her acting, admitting she often felt like she had little talent to offer.
Bardot’s tumultuous private life—romantic escapades and media scrutiny—followed her everywhere, sometimes overwhelming her. She openly struggled with the pressures of fame, alluding to a suicide attempt following the birth of her only child, Nicholas. Although married to Nicholas’ father, actor Jacques Charrier, she expressed feeling unprepared for motherhood and faced chronic depression.
Her life continued to shift as she married millionaire playboy Günter Sachs in 1966, but that too ended in divorce. Bardot starred in many films, yet many didn’t highlight much beyond her striking appearance and curves. While she wasn’t particularly passionate about filmmaking, she felt the pressure and negative consequences of the industry deeply connected to her life.
In 1973, Bardot retired from acting, seeking a quieter existence. However, by the early 1980s, she emerged as an animal rights advocate. She changed her lifestyle drastically—selling her belongings and focusing her efforts on animal welfare, even campaigning against practices around the world and criticizing traditions she deemed cruel.
Despite her noble causes, Bardot faced intense scrutiny and criticism, reflecting a dramatic shift in her public persona. By the late 1990s, she had accumulated several convictions for inciting racial hatred, driven by anger over specific cultural practices. Bardot expressed deep frustration at the slow progress of animal rights, saying that her passion sometimes led her to controversial statements.
She frequently reflected on her past and the treatment she faced in the spotlight, drawing parallels to the animals she fought for, feeling a kinship with their plight.
