Paris (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Brigitte Bardot, the French film star who influenced post-war cinema and later became a leading animal rights activist, has died at the age of 91.
As reported by Katie Spencer and Gemma Peplow of Sky News, Brigitte Bardot, a film icon with a screen presence that helped reshape attitudes toward female sexuality and an influence extending far beyond cinema, has died.
How did Brigitte Bardot influence fashion and film in the 20th century?
At 91, the French star passed away, becoming a symbol of bold and unapologetic female sexuality. She achieved such fame that she was recognized simply by her initials.
Brigitte Bardot also pursued a singing career, releasing multiple records and inspiring Serge Gainsbourg’s erotic hit Je T’aime… Moi Non Plus.
She retired from acting before reaching 40, choosing to devote her time to animal protection despite her cinematic success.
Bardot was born in Paris and challenged her strict upbringing to pursue a career in film.
She started her career as a model in the early 1950s, and after a few minor roles, her breakout performance in 1956’s …And God Created Woman made her a household name. Under the direction of Roger Vadim, her then-husband, the film sparked controversy for its frank depiction of female sensuality, challenging conservative post-war attitudes toward women’s behavior and desire.
Bardot emerged as a symbol of youthful rebellion, a sex symbol, and a style icon, influencing fashion for decades, including the popular fringes and cat-eye makeup many women still emulate.
Often likened to Marilyn Monroe yet exuding a uniquely European charm, her screen presence redefined post-war cinema. After more than 40 films and showing versatility beyond the ingénue roles, she left acting in 1973 at age 39.
Commenting on her retirement, she said,
“I gave my youth and my beauty to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals.”
In 1986, she launched the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to fight animal cruelty and provide funding for sanctuaries and wildlife rescue efforts.
The foundation released a statement, saying,
“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation.”
It added,
“By frequently lobbying politicians to advance legislation, securing convictions for perpetrators of animal abuse, carrying out rescues every day, and raising awareness among a wide audience, the Foundation has become a global benchmark, the continued success of which Brigitte Bardot ensured.”
In interviews, she described feeling “used” by the film industry and the media, saying she had grown increasingly uncomfortable under constant public attention and intense objectification.
Bardot remained a controversial figure, with her reputation tarnished in recent years after publishing her 2003 book A Cry In Silence, which led to her prosecution for inciting racial hatred against Muslims.
Over the years, she faced multiple fines for alleged racist comments, often linked to her animal rights activism, with the most recent occurring in 2021.
Despite the controversies, she continued to enjoy popularity and admiration. While her activism and work for animal welfare defined her later years, her lasting legacy lies in international cinema.
How did political and foundations praise Brigitte Bardot after her death?
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Brigette Bardot on social media.
He said,
“Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne, Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom.”
Mr Macron added,
“French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century.”
French far-right politician Marine Le Pen said,
“France loses an exceptional woman, through her talent, her courage, her frankness, her beauty. A woman who chose to break with an incredible career to devote herself to the animals she defended until her last breath with inexhaustible energy and love.”
She added,
“She was incredibly French: free, untamable, whole. She will be greatly missed by us.”
Commenting on her death, France’s oldest animal protection association, The Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA), said,
“Since the 1970s, and then through her foundation created in the 1980s, she has devoted her life to defending those who have no voice. Her unwavering commitment has helped raise awareness and achieve major advances for animal protection.”
What are the famous films of Brigitte Bardot?
- And God Created Woman (1956)
- The Truth / La Vérité (1960)
- Contempt / Le Mépris (1963)
- Viva Maria! (1965)
- In Case of Adversity / En cas de malheur (1958)
