Brigitte Bardot: A Symbol of French Cinema

French actress Brigitte Bardot, renowned for revolutionising 1950s French cinema and embodying sexual liberation, has died at the age of 91. Known widely as “BB” in her homeland, Bardot starred in nearly 50 films, including the iconic “And God Created Woman” before retiring in 1973 to dedicate her life to animal welfare.

President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Bardot, recalling her as “a legend of the century.” The Brigitte Bardot Foundation described her as a “world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare.” Details regarding the time and place of Bardot’s passing have not been made public as of this writing.

A Star Rises: Bardot’s Early Life and Explosive Career

Born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot in Paris in 1934 to a privileged family, her parents intended for her to become a ballerina. Discovered as a teenager after gracing the cover of Elle magazine, she soon transitioned into film at the encouragement of industry insiders. Her breakthrough role came in Roger Vadim’s “And God Created Woman” (1956), which scandalised American audiences and established Bardot as a symbol of “absolute freedom,” as described by philosopher Simone de Beauvoir.

Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Brigitte Bardot captivated audiences in roles such as the courtroom drama The Truth, Jean-Luc Godard’s classic Contempt, and the comedic Viva Maria! Her style, including the now-famous “Bardot neckline,” influenced fashion worldwide.

Bardot’s Films and Fashion Influence

• And God Created Woman (1956) – A controversial role that established Bardot as a cinematic icon.
• The Truth (1960) – A critically acclaimed performance demonstrating her dramatic depth.
• Contempt (1963) – Bardot worked with Jean-Luc Godard in this influential New Wave film.
• Viva Maria! (1965) – Showcasing comedic talent alongside Jeanne Moreau.
• Love on a Pillow and The Bear and the Doll – Underscoring Bardot’s broad range across genres.

Bardot married four times and had one son, Nicolas, with French actor and producer Jacques Charrier. Their relationship was tumultuous, and Bardot’s candor about her motherhood in her autobiography led to public feuding and even legal action from her son.

From Cinema to Animal Welfare Champion

Frustrated with being typecast as a sex symbol and longing for more serious roles, Brigitte Bardot retired at age 39 to concentrate on animal advocacy. “I gave my youth and beauty to men, I give my wisdom and experience to animals,” she famously declared.

In 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which remains a vital force for animal rights in France and abroad. Known for her direct activism, Bardot once threatened to apply for Russian citizenship in protest against the potential euthanization of two elephants in a French zoo (source).

Animal organizations, including France’s oldest, Société Protectrice des Animaux, praised Bardot as an “iconic and passionate figure for the animal cause.”

Looking to learn more about celebrities who chose animal welfare causes? Explore our article on Famous Celebrity Animal Activists.

A Controversial Legacy

Despite her celebrated achievements, Brigitte Bardot’s legacy is complicated by a series of controversial statements in her later years. She received multiple fines for inciting racial hatred following inflammatory comments about Muslims and immigrants. In 2008, Bardot was fined €15,000 for remarks posted on her website, and her 2003 book “A Cry in the Silence” was widely criticized for its statements on immigrants, politicians, and gay people (Amnesty International provides more on freedom of expression).

Bardot also attracted criticism for dismissing the #MeToo movement as “hypocritical, ridiculous, uninteresting,” arguing that many actresses “flirt with producers in order to get a role.” These remarks diminished her reputation among many who had previously idolized her.

Remembering Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot leaves behind a legacy as one of French cinema’s most iconic figures, an unlikely activist for animal rights, a fashion trailblazer, and a polarizing public voice. Her life story serves as a vivid reminder of the complexities behind fame and the enduring impact of speaking, and living, boldly.