Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became a global icon of cinema and a passionate animal rights advocate, has died at the age of 91. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation confirmed her death on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot on September 28, 1934, in Paris, France, Bardot began her career as a model and ballet student. She appeared on the cover of Elle magazine at the age of 15, catching the eye of aspiring director Roger Vadim. Her early film roles included "Le Trou Normand" (1952). However, it was her role in Vadim's "...And God Created Woman" (1956) that catapulted her to international stardom. The film, featuring Bardot as a sensual young woman, broke taboos and established her as a symbol of post-war sexual liberation.
Bardot's image as a free and unapologetic woman resonated with audiences worldwide, especially in America during the conservative 1950s. She starred in numerous films throughout the 1960s, working with notable directors such as Jean-Luc Godard in "Contempt" (1963) and Louis Malle in "Viva Maria!" (1965). She also launched a singing career, releasing albums and collaborating with Serge Gainsbourg.
In 1973, at the peak of her career, Bardot made the surprising decision to retire from acting. Disenchanted with the film industry, she chose to dedicate her life to animal rights activism. This decision was influenced by encountering a goat on the set of her final film, which she saved from slaughter.
Bardot became a fervent advocate for animal welfare, campaigning against bullfighting, the fur trade, and the mistreatment of animals in various industries. In 1986, she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals. The foundation has been involved in numerous initiatives, including rescuing animals, supporting sanctuaries, and advocating for legislation to protect animals. The foundation has rescued animals, supported sanctuaries and advocated for animal protection laws.
Bardot's activism led to significant progress, such as the Council of Europe banning seal fur imports and the French government banning ivory imports. Despite her dedication to animal rights, Bardot also faced controversy for her outspoken views on immigration and Islam, resulting in multiple fines for inciting racial hatred.
Despite controversies, Bardot remained a cultural icon, her influence extending beyond cinema to fashion, beauty, and popular culture. Her films challenged conventional morality and paved the way for greater acceptance of female sexuality. Bardot's legacy is complex, encompassing both her artistic contributions and her activism.
Brigitte Bardot is survived by her husband, Bernard d'Ormale, and her foundation continues its work in animal protection.
