At a Glance
- Brigitte Bardot, 91, dies in southern France.
- 1960s film icon turned animal-rights activist and polarizing public figure.
- No cause of death released; funeral arrangements pending.
- Why it matters: Bardot’s life spanned cinema, activism, and controversy, leaving a complex legacy.
Brigitte Bardot, the French screen siren and animal-rights campaigner, has died at the age of 91, according to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation.
Bruno Jacquelin, of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals, told News Of Los Angeles that Bardot died Sunday at her home in southern France. He said no cause of death was provided and funeral arrangements had not yet been made. Bardot had been hospitalized the month before.
From Film Stardom to National Symbol
Bardot first captivated audiences with the 1956 film And God Created Woman, directed by then-husband Roger Vadim. The provocative role sparked scandal and launched a 28-film career, three marriages, and a place on France’s national emblem in 1969.
- 28 films, 3 marriages
- 1969: Face used on national seal
- Featured on statues, stamps, coins
Animal-Rights Champion
After retiring from acting in 1973, Bardot focused on animal welfare, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. She campaigned against seal slaughter, laboratory testing, and the use of animals in space. In 1985, she received France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor.
Brigitte Bardot stated:
> “Man is an insatiable predator,” Bardot told News Of Los Angeles on her 73rd birthday, in 2007. “I don’t care about my past glory. That means nothing in the face of an animal that suffers, since it has no power, no words to defend itself.”
Political Controversy
Bardot’s activism turned polarizing as she adopted far-right rhetoric. Convicted five times for inciting racial hatred, she criticized Muslim slaughter rituals and supported Marine Le Pen in 2012. In 2018, she dismissed #MeToo protests as hypocritical.
Brigitte Bardot told News Of Los Angeles:
> “It’s true that sometimes I get carried away, but when I see how slowly things move forward … and despite all the promises that have been made to me by all different governments put together – my distress takes over,”
Personal Life and Legacy
Born September 28, 1934, Bardot rose from a privileged upbringing to global fame. She retired to St. Tropez at 39 and later became a vocal activist. Her legacy blends cinematic influence, humanitarian honors, and enduring controversy.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1934 | Born |
| 1956 | And God Created Woman |
| 1969 | Face on national seal |
| 1973 | Retired from acting |
| 1985 | Legion of Honor |
| 2012 | Letter to Marine Le Pen |
| 2018 | #MeToo comment |
Key Takeaways
- Bardot died at 91 in southern France.
- She was a 1960s film icon, animal-rights champion, and polarizing activist.
- Her far-right views led to five convictions for inciting racial hatred.
Bardot’s passing marks the end of an era defined by glamour, advocacy, and controversy.
