Brigitte Bardot, French cinema legend, animal rights activist, dies at 91

Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress whose free-spirited screen presence redefined femininity in post-war cinema, has died at the age of 91, her foundation announced on Sunday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Bardot rose to international stardom at just 21 after her breakout role in the 1956 film And God Created Woman, directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. Her barefoot mambo dance, tousled hair and unapologetic sensuality shocked censors and captivated audiences, marking a sharp departure from the restrained heroines that had dominated mainstream cinema.

Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Bardot grew up in an upper-middle-class family and described herself as a shy, awkward child. By the age of 15, she had appeared on the cover of Elle magazine, launching a modelling career that soon led to film roles and global fame.

Often referred to simply as “BB” in France, Bardot became a defining symbol of French culture in the 1950s and 1960s. Her influence extended far beyond cinema, inspiring artists such as Andy Warhol and musicians including Bob Dylan, who reportedly wrote his first song about her.

French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir famously praised Bardot in a 1959 Esquire essay, describing her as the embodiment of freedom and authenticity. Bardot’s ability to challenge traditional gender roles elevated her beyond a sex symbol into a lasting pop culture icon.

Despite her success, Bardot struggled with the pressures of fame. She frequently spoke of feeling trapped by celebrity and endured turbulent relationships, four marriages and bouts of depression. She survived at least one suicide attempt in her mid-20s and later withdrew increasingly from public life.

Alongside acting, Bardot enjoyed a successful music career, collaborating with Serge Gainsbourg on songs that stirred controversy, including Je t’aime… moi non plus. In the late 1960s, she was also chosen as the model for Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic.

Disillusioned with the film industry, Bardot retired from acting in 1973 after appearing in 42 films. She settled in Saint-Tropez, where she devoted her life to animal welfare, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Protection of Animals in 1986. Her activism became her defining mission, and she remained outspoken on animal rights issues for decades.

However, Bardot’s later years were also marked by controversy over her political views. She was fined multiple times for comments deemed to incite racial hatred and openly supported France’s far-right National Front, positions that drew widespread criticism.

Despite her polarising statements, Bardot’s legacy as a cinematic trailblazer endures. Her image, fashion and films continue to influence popular culture, while her commitment to animal welfare remains central to how she wished to be remembered.

Reflecting on her career in a 2025 interview, Bardot said she did not dwell on her films but acknowledged they gave her a platform known worldwide — one she ultimately used to champion the cause closest to her heart: the protection of animals.