At a Glance
- Brigitte Bardot, French film icon and activist, died at 91.
- She passed away Sunday at her home in southern France; cause of death not disclosed.
- Bardot’s career spanned 28 films, the national emblem Marianne, and a controversial animal-rights and far-right activism.
- Why it matters: Her death closes a chapter on a figure who shaped French cinema, national identity, and political discourse.
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became a global sex symbol in the 1950s and 1960s, died at the age of 91 on Sunday. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation confirmed her death in southern France, saying the cause was not released and no funeral arrangements had been made. Bardot’s life spanned a prolific film career, a high-profile animal-rights campaign, and a controversial turn toward far-right politics.
From Teen Star to National Emblem
Bardot first captured worldwide attention with the 1956 film And God Created Woman, directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. The movie’s scandalous scenes, such as her dancing on a table naked, sparked outrage and cemented her status as a symbol of France’s post-war liberation. By 1969, her image was adopted as the model for Marianne, the national emblem of France, and her likeness appeared on statues, postage stamps, and even coins.
- A Parisian (1957)
- In Case of Misfortune (1958)
- The Truth (1960)
- Private Life (1962)
- A Ravishing Idiot (1964)
- Shalako (1968)
- Women (1969)
- The Bear And The Doll (1970)
- Rum Boulevard (1971)
- Don Juan (1973)
Animal-Rights Crusader
After retiring from acting, Bardot devoted herself to animal protection, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. She campaigned against the slaughter of baby seals in the Arctic, opposed laboratory experiments, and protested sending monkeys into space. In 2007, on her 73rd birthday, she told News Of Fort Worth that
> “Man is an insatiable predator… I don’t care about my past glory. That means nothing in the face of an animal that suffers, since it has no power, no words to defend itself.”
Her activism also included urging South Korea to ban dog meat, writing to U.S. President Bill Clinton about dolphins, and attacking traditional sporting events such as the Palio horse race.
Controversial Politics
Bardot’s activism later took a right-wing turn. She was convicted five times for inciting racial hatred, criticized Muslim slaughter practices, and supported Marine Le Pen in 2012. In 1992, she married Bernard d’Ormale, a former adviser to National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, further aligning her with nationalist politics. In 2018, she dismissed #MeToo activists as “hypocritical” and “ridiculous.”
- Five convictions for inciting racial hatred (1997-2008)
- Public criticism of Muslim slaughter rituals
- Letter of support for Marine Le Pen (2012)
Personal Struggles and Legacy
Bardot was born September 28, 1934, to a wealthy industrialist and was discovered at 14 by a family friend who featured her on the cover of Elle. She married three times and had one son, Nicolas, with actor Jacques Charrier, whom she later gave to Charrier. She suffered depression, attempted suicide, and described her upbringing as “difficult.”
> “I was looking for roots then. I had none to offer.”
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Career | 28 films, And God Created Woman (1956) |
| Animal Rights | Brigitte Bardot Foundation, anti-seal slaughter, anti-lab animals |
| Political Convictions | Five convictions for inciting racial hatred |
Key Takeaways
- Bardot’s death marks the end of a life that blended glamour, activism, and controversy.
- Her legacy includes a national emblem, a pioneering animal-rights movement, and a polarizing political stance.
- The story continues to spark debate over celebrity influence and social responsibility.
Bardot’s passing closes a chapter on a figure who left an indelible mark on French culture and global activism, leaving a legacy that continues to provoke discussion and reflection.
