French icon Brigitte Bardot has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich legacy in global cinema and animal rights activism.
Bardot rose to international fame with the 1956 film “And God Created Woman”, written and directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. Over two decades, she became the emblem of France’s so-called “sex kitten” era, captivating audiences worldwide.
In the early 1970s, Bardot retired from cinema and turned her focus toward political activism and animal protection, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986.
Born in Paris in 1934 into a wealthy Catholic family, Bardot began her career as a ballerina and model, appearing on the cover of Elle magazine at age 15. Her acting career started with minor roles, but her breakout came with “And God Created Woman,” in which she played a free-spirited adolescent in Saint-Tropez, instantly becoming a global film icon.
Beyond acting, Bardot also pursued a musical career, recording hits including the original version of Serge Gainsbourg’s “Je T’Aime … Moi Non Plus”. However, the pressures of fame led her to step away from the film industry, fully retiring in 1973 after the historical film “The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot.”
As an activist, Bardot was known for her passionate defense of animals, protesting against seal hunting and dolphin killings, and criticizing the treatment of animals in numerous countries worldwide.
Bardot’s influence extends far beyond cinema, cementing her legacy as both a cultural icon and a dedicated animal rights advocate.
