Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress, passed away at the age of 91 on December 28. The news was confirmed by the Fondation Brigitte Bardot through an official statement expressing profound sorrow. Her death marks the end of a career that left an indelible mark on European cinema and animal advocacy.
Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot reached the peak of fame in 1956 with the film "...And God Created Woman," directed by Roger Vadim. She appeared in over 45 films and recorded more than 70 songs, working with directors such as Jean‑Luc Godard and Louis Malle, earning the David di Donatello award.
In recent years, Bardot devoted her energy to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and wildlife protection, notably campaigning against seal hunting in Canada in 1977. She stated in a 2025 interview that her fight for animals would be her greatest legacy.
"Her fight for animals would be her greatest legacy."
Throughout her public life, she also faced controversies, including convictions for hate incitement over her views on immigration and Islam, and a fraught relationship with her son Nicolas. Despite this, her aesthetic and cultural influence endured, making her a muse for intellectuals such as Simone de Beauvoir.
Bardot spent her final years in Saint‑Tropez, maintaining her opposition to horsemeat consumption and un‑sedated animal slaughter. Her passing closes a fundamental chapter in the history of French entertainment.
