Brigitte Bardot dies at 91: The passing of a French cinema icon
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced on Sunday the death of the renowned French actress and global cinema icon of the 1960s, Brigitte Bardot, at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully at her famous residence, La Madrague, in Saint-Tropez, southern France, thus closing a remarkable chapter in the history of French art and the fight for animal rights.
The official statement issued by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and reported by AFP read: "It is with deep sadness that the Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces the passing of its founder and president, Brigitte Bardot, the world-renowned actress and singer who chose to give up her prestigious artistic career at the height of her fame to dedicate her life and efforts to animal welfare and supporting her foundation." Sources close to the late star confirmed that she had been experiencing health problems in recent months, having been hospitalized last October. Although she denied rumors of her death at the time, her health had recently deteriorated.
From "God created woman" to global recognition
Brigitte Bardot, known worldwide as "BB," cannot be reduced to mere film roles; she was a complete cultural and social phenomenon. Her star rose powerfully in 1956 with the film "And God Created Woman" by director Roger Vadim, a work that not only launched her fame but also contributed to changing the image of women in world cinema, establishing her as a symbol of liberation and attractiveness in that era.
Throughout her illustrious career, Bardot collaborated with leading directors of the French New Wave, such as Jean-Luc Godard in "Contempt" (Le Mépris) and Louis Malle. Her influence extended far beyond the silver screen, making her a fashion icon and a symbol of French beauty. She was even chosen as the face of Marianne, the national symbol of the French Republic, in 1969.
Retirement and dedicating one's life to animals
In a move that surprised the world, Bardot decided to retire from acting permanently in 1973, at the age of 39, after appearing in nearly 50 films and releasing several successful albums. This retirement was not the end of her public career, but rather the beginning of a new and more passionate chapter. In 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, selling her personal belongings and jewelry to fund its activities.
Bardot was known for her bold and outspoken advocacy for animal rights, leading global campaigns against seal hunting, the use of fur, and the consumption of horsemeat. She finally settled down in her secluded home in Saint-Tropez, surrounded by the animals she had rescued, far from the limelight that had pursued her throughout her life. With her passing today, France loses one of its most prominent figures, a woman who combined the allure of art with the strength of her humanitarian principles.
