Legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot dies at 91

Brigitte Bardot, iconic French actress and animal rights activist, has died at 91

Brigitte Bardot, French screen legend and cultural icon, has died at 91. Her passing was announced by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation with “immense sadness,” confirming that the beloved actress, singer and animal rights campaigner had passed away. The exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

 A Film Career That Defined an Era

Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming one of cinema’s most recognisable figures. She shot to stardom with her role in And God Created Woman (1956), directed by then-husband Roger Vadim, a performance that made her a global sex symbol and cultural touchstone of sexual liberation. Over her film career she appeared in dozens of acclaimed movies, working with directors such as Jean-Luc Godard and Henri-Georges Clouzot. 

Her iconic look — tousled blonde hair, smoky eyes, and effortless sensuality — helped shape the idea of the “French girl” in popular culture and inspired artists and fans around the world. 

 From Cinema to Animal Rights

In 1973, at the height of her fame, Bardot retired from acting and turned her energies toward animal welfare — a cause that came to define her later life. She founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, dedicating decades to fighting animal cruelty globally, from campaigns against seal hunting to advocating for protection of domestic animals. 

Her passion for animals was widely admired and became a central part of her legacy beyond cinema. 

 Legacy and Reactions

Tributes have poured in from around the world. French President Emmanuel Macron called her “a legend of the century,” highlighting her films, her voice, and her enduring influence on French culture. Bardot’s life and career were marked by contradictions — adored for her artistry and advocacy, yet also controversial later in life for her outspoken political views and repeated convictions in France for inciting racial hatred.