Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who was named the original “sex kitten,” has died, according to her foundation. She was 91.
“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,” the foundation, which fights to protect animals, announced on its website Sunday.
“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation wishes to honor the memory of an exceptional woman who gave everything for a world more respectful of animals,” it added.
“We extend our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, the municipality of Saint-Tropez and its residents, and all those who share this cause. The Foundation will continue, more than ever, to champion the work of Brigitte Bardot.”
The foundation’s Bruno Jacquelin told the Associated Press that Bardot had been hospitalized last month and that she passed away in her home in Southern France. No funeral or memorial service arrangements have been made.
Bardot’s cause of death was not disclosed.
French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to share a touching tribute to Bardot.
“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,” Macron tweeted Sunday.
“French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century,” he added.
Bardot was launched as an international sex symbol in 1956 when she starred as a sexualized teen bride in the movie “And God Created Woman.”
The film, which was directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim, featured scenes of Bardot dancing on tables naked, marking a groundbreaking portrayal of female sexuality during a conservative time.
After starring in nearly 30 films, Bardot retired from acting in 1973.
A decade later, she reemerged as an animal rights lobbyist and started her animal rights foundation after selling movie memorabilia and jewelry.
Bardot is survived by her fourth husband, Bernard d’Ormale, her estranged son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, and her sister.
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