Legendary Actress and Activist Passes Away at Saint-Tropez Home
French film icon Brigitte Bardot, whose name became synonymous with 1950s glamour and sexual liberation, has died at the age of 91. The legendary actress, model, singer, and animal rights activist passed away on Sunday at her home in Saint-Tropez, southern France, according to a statement from her foundation to the French press agency AFP. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
From Sex Symbol to Animal Rights Champion
Bardot, often referred to simply as 'BB,' rose to international fame in the 1950s with her breakthrough role in Roger Vadim's And God Created Woman (1956). The film, which showcased her as a free-spirited young woman, made her an instant sex symbol and earned her the nickname 'the European Marilyn Monroe.' She would go on to star in 47 films throughout her career, becoming one of France's most recognizable cultural exports.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the actress on social media, calling her a 'legend of the century' who 'embodied a life of freedom.' 'She touched the French people through her films, her voice, and her unconditional love for animals,' Macron wrote on X.
A Controversial Figure with Lasting Impact
While celebrated for her cinematic achievements, Bardot's later years were marked by controversy. After retiring from acting in 1973 at age 39, she dedicated herself to animal rights activism, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. She sold much of her movie memorabilia and jewelry to fund animal protection efforts, becoming a prominent voice for creatures she said 'have no voice.'
However, Bardot also faced multiple convictions for hate speech, primarily targeting Muslims in France. She was fined six times for inciting racial hatred, with her comments often drawing widespread criticism. Despite these controversies, her foundation remained a significant force in animal welfare, continuing her work to protect endangered species and combat animal cruelty.
Recent Health Struggles and Legacy
In recent months, Bardot had been hospitalized several times, though she maintained a public presence. Just two months before her death, she addressed false rumors of her passing on social media, writing: 'I am not yet ready for my final bow.' Her statement came after she had been 'declared dead' online in what she called a 'macabre joke.'
Bardot's influence extended far beyond cinema. As philosopher Simone de Beauvoir wrote in her 1959 essay The Lolita Syndrome, Bardot was a 'locomotive of women's history' who represented a new kind of female freedom. Her distinctive style—bleached blonde hair, winged eyeliner, and gingham dresses—inspired generations of fashion designers and continues to be referenced in popular culture.
She leaves behind a complex legacy: a cinematic pioneer who challenged social norms, a passionate animal rights advocate, and a controversial political figure. As film historian Jean-Michel Frodon noted: 'Bardot represented both the glamour of post-war France and its contradictions. She was a symbol of liberation who later became associated with restrictive views, yet her impact on cinema remains undeniable.'
Her foundation confirmed her death but did not provide details about funeral arrangements. Tributes have poured in from around the world, with many remembering her as one of the last icons of Hollywood's golden age who successfully reinvented herself as a dedicated activist. According to The New York Times, Bardot's death marks 'the end of an era in French cinema.'