Brigitte Bardot Dead at 91: The Polarizing Legacy of a French Cinema Legend

The curtains have closed on the life of Brigitte Bardot, the definitive French icon who transcended cinema to become one of the world's most fervent animal rights advocates. Bardot died at the age of 91, her foundation announced on December 28, 2025. The news marks the end of an era for a figure who was as celebrated for her beauty as she was criticized for her outspoken views.

Brigitte Bardot Dead at 91: From Silver Screen to Social Activism

Bardot rose to international stardom in 1956 with 'And God Created Woman,' becoming a symbol of liberation and French chic. However, she shocked the world in 1973 by retiring from acting at the peak of her fame. She dedicated the next five decades to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, championing the welfare of animals with the same intensity she once brought to the screen.

A Life of Complexity and Controversy

According to reports in French media, Bardot’s later years were increasingly overshadowed by her controversial political stances. She faced multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred, particularly regarding her remarks on immigration and Islam. This duality—a pioneering cultural figure and animal savior versus a source of social friction—defines her complex 91-year journey. Her foundation stated that she "chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare."