Farewell to an Icon: Brigitte Bardot Passes Away at 91

Mon Dec 29 2025 16:50:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress who became a symbol of 1950s cinema and sexual liberation, has died at the age of 91, leaving behind a complex legacy of both fame and controversy.

French actress Brigitte Bardot, known for revolutionizing French cinema and becoming a global symbol of sexual liberation, has passed away at 91. Bardot starred in nearly 50 films, including the iconic 'And God Created Woman', before retiring to focus on animal welfare. While celebrated for her contributions to film and animal rights, her later years were marked by controversy, including a number of inflammatory comments that tarnished her reputation. French President Emmanuel Macron and others have expressed deep mourning for her passing, recognizing both her cinematic legacy and complex social views.

French actress Brigitte Bardot, who revolutionized 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 announced her death with 'immense sadness', acknowledging her transition from actress to animal rights advocate.

Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot was initially groomed to be a ballerina before her fame skyrocketed after appearing on the cover of 'Elle' magazine. Her daring roles in films like 'And God Created Woman' shocked audiences and solidified her status as a cultural icon. Despite her cinematic achievements, Bardot's views on many social issues later drew criticism.

Brigitte Bardot leaves behind a legacy that celebrates both her contributions to cinema and her contentious views, sparking a conversation about the complexities of public figures.