French actress Brigitte Bardot, who has died aged 91, arguably redefined cinematic allure, captivating the world as a 1950s screen icon.
From her breakout appearance in And God Created Woman to her provocative roles in The Truth, Contempt, and Viva Maria!, she pioneered a fresh image of female sexuality and liberation on screen, before dedicating her life to animal rights.
Bardot's life was one of glamour, controversy, and conviction. Born in Paris in 1934, she trained as a ballerina before catching the eye of filmmakers with her striking beauty.
At 18, she married director Roger Vadim, who cast her in And God Created Woman, a provocative film that launched her to international stardom.
Her performances solidified Bardot’s status as a cinematic trailblazer, with a career that included numerous critically acclaimed roles. Bardot became a global sensation through films like The Truth and Contempt, while also setting fashion trends with her distinct style.
In 1973, at the height of her fame, Bardot retired from acting at 39 to focus on animal advocacy, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to campaign against seal hunting and animal testing.
Despite her later years being marked by controversy, Bardot remains a symbol of 1960s glamour and a pioneer of feminist activism.
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