Brigitte Bardot, French Film Icon, Dies at 91

Brigitte Bardot, the celebrated French actress and one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century, has died at the age of 91. Her death was confirmed today by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the animal rights organization she founded.

Early Fame and Stardom

Bardot rose from model to global movie star in the 1950s.
She became internationally known after starring in And God Created Woman (1956), a bold film that helped define her image as a free‑spirited screen presence and cultural symbol.

She appeared in more than two dozen films during the peak of her acting career. Then, in 1973, Bardot retired from cinema at just 39.

Life After Hollywood

After leaving acting, Bardot turned her focus toward animal welfare. In 1986 she created the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to protect animals and campaign against cruelty worldwide.

Her activism included protests against seal hunts and efforts to improve treatment of farm and wild animals. Over nearly 50 years, she became one of the most recognizable voices in animal rights.

Tributes and Legacy

Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in from political leaders and cultural figures.
French President Emmanuel Macron called her a “legend of the century,” highlighting Bardot’s impact on French culture and film.

Despite later controversies — including legal convictions related to her political statements — Bardot remained widely known for her early cinematic achievements and her decades‑long commitment to animal causes.

A Life Remembered

Bardot’s legacy covers both her groundbreaking film work and her passionate activism.
She helped shape modern cinema’s image of female independence and later used her fame to raise global awareness for animals.

Her passing marks the end of an era for French cinema and cultural history.