Brigitte Bardot Death at 91: Farewell to the French Cinema Icon

50 films, one sexual revolution, and a lifetime dedicated to animal welfare. Brigitte Bardot, the ultimate symbol of 1950s French cinema, has died at the age of 91. Known affectionately as 'BB', she transformed the landscape of world cinema before walking away from fame to find her purpose in the animal kingdom.

The World Mourns: Brigitte Bardot Death at 91 Confirmed

According to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the legendary actress passed away on December 28, 2025. In a heartfelt statement, the organization described her as a "world-renowned actress" who chose to abandon prestige to dedicate her energy to those without a voice. President Emmanuel Macron led the tributes, calling her a "legend of the century" whose face became a symbol of French identity.

French politician Marine Le Pen also honored the star, stating that France has lost an "exceptional woman" known for her courage and frankness. Bardot's husband, Bernard d'Ormale, had long supported her transition from the silver screen to her secluded life in Saint-Tropez.

Revolutionizing Cinema and Animal Rights

Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot's breakout role in the 1956 film 'And God Created Woman', directed by Roger Vadim, redefined female sexuality on screen. While the film was banned in some U.S. states, it established her as a global phenomenon. However, at the height of her stardom in 1973, she famously declared, "I gave my youth and beauty to men; I give my wisdom and experience to animals."

In 1986, she launched her foundation, selling her jewelry and belongings to fund it. Her activism was relentless; she once threatened to apply for Russian citizenship in 2013 to protest the planned euthanasia of two elephants in a French zoo.

A Complicated Legacy of Activism and Controversy

Despite her cultural status, Bardot's later years were marred by controversy. She was fined multiple times for inciting racial hatred, specifically targeting Islam and immigration in France. In 2008, she was ordered to pay €15,000 for her disparaging remarks. Her criticism of the #MeToo movement as "hypocritical" further alienated her from modern feminist circles, leaving a legacy that is as divisive as it is monumental.