Icon of French Cinema Brigitte Bardot Passes Away at 91

Mon Dec 29 2025 16:52:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Brigitte Bardot, a legendary French actress known for her roles that redefined the sexual norms of cinema in the 1950s, has passed away at the age of 91. From her cinematic legacy to her passionate commitment to animal welfare, Bardot's impact on culture remains profound despite her controversial later years.

Brigitte Bardot, who revolutionized 1950s French cinema, has died at 91. Known as 'BB' and an icon of sexual liberation, she starred in nearly 50 films before transitioning to a life dedicated to animal welfare. Her legacy includes both acclaim and controversy, leaving a complex imprint on French culture.

French actress Brigitte Bardot, who revolutionised 1950s French cinema and became a symbol of sexual liberation, has died aged 91.

The cinema icon - BB as she was known in her home country - acted in almost 50 films, including And God Created Woman, but retired in 1973 to devote her life to animal welfare.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the nation was mourning a legend of the century, while the Brigitte Bardot Foundation remembered her as a world-renowned actress.

Later in life, Bardot's reputation was damaged after she made homophobic slurs and was fined multiple times for inciting racial hatred.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation she established said in a statement that it was announcing her death with immense sadness. The animal welfare organisation praised her dedication to protecting animals and conveyed deep respect for her past as an iconic actress.

Paying tribute, Macron hailed Bardot’s contributions to cinema and her passionate commitment to animal welfare, noting, her face became Marianne... Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom. French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us.

Born in Paris to a wealthy family, Bardot was discovered at a young age and quickly rose to fame. Her role in And God Created Woman scandalised the American audience and solidified her status as a global star. Bardot's later life saw her step away from acting to focus on animal rights, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and embracing a vegetarian lifestyle.

However, her legacy is marred by controversies linked to her remarks on various social issues which have impacted her public image throughout the years. Despite this, her impact on cinema and animal welfare remains indelible, marking Bardot as a true cultural icon.