Brigitte Bardot, immortalised in Torremolinos.
Credit: Brigitte Bardot Foundation X
Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress, singer, and fervent animal rights activist whose sultry screen presence redefined femininity in the 20th century, has passed away at the age of 91.
Her foundation confirmed the news today, Sunday, December 28, marking the end of an era for cinema and advocacy. Bardot, often celebrated as the epitome of liberated womanhood, died peacefully after a brief illness. She leaves behind a legacy that combined glamour, rebellion, and compassion.
From Paris to Hollywood, to Torremolinos
Born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot on September 28, 1934, in Paris to a conservative Catholic family, she initially trained as a ballerina before being discovered as a model. Appearing on the cover of Elle magazine at just 15, she transitioned to acting in 1952 with minor roles in films like Crazy for Love. Her real breakthrough, though, came in 1956 with And God Created Woman, directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim. The film, which presented her uninhibited sensuality, catapulted her to international stardom and earned her the moniker “sex kitten”. For over two decades, Bardot starred in 47 films, including classics like The Truth (1960), for which she won a David di Donatello Award, Contempt (1963) opposite Michel Piccoli, and Viva Maria! (1965) with Jeanne Moreau, earning a BAFTA nomination. She also recorded over 60 songs, collaborating with Serge Gainsbourg on hits like the classic “Bonny and Clyde”. In 1957 she visited Torremolinos, filming on location, and her image created the myth of the Malaga town as the ‘in’ place to be at the inception of the Costa del Sol tourism boom.
Passionate animal rights activist
Retiring from entertainment in 1973 at the height of her fame, Bardot channelled all her passion into animal welfare. She set up the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986 and became a vocal vegetarian, campaigning against seal hunting, bullfighting, horse slaughter, and fur farming. Her efforts earned global recognition, including the UN’s Global 500 Award in 1992 and PETA’s Humanitarian Award in 2001. Bardot’s activism often put her at odds with authorities; she once auctioned her jewellery to fund rescues and lobbied governments worldwide, from Canada to Romania, to protect endangered species.
Tumultuous personal life
Bardot’s personal life was as tumultuous as her public persona. Married four times – to Vadim (1952-1957), actor Jacques Charrier (1959-1962, with whom she had her only son, Nicolas), German playboy Gunter Sachs (1966-1969), and politician Bernard d’Ormale (1992 until her death) – she managed high-profile romances and scandals. Controversies shadowed her later years, including fines for inflammatory remarks on immigration and religion, yet her commitment to animal causes remained unwavering.
Bardot’s influence lives on: she popularised the bikini, inspired fashion trends like the Bardot neckline, and symbolised the sexual revolution. Tributes poured in today from figures like French President Emmanuel Macron, who called her “a timeless icon of freedom,” and animal rights groups praising her as a pioneer. As the world mourns, Bardot’s spirit – fierce, unapologetic, and devoted – lives on in the hearts of admirers and the animals she fought to save.
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