Eternal Icon Departs: Brigitte Bardot, Symbol of Liberation and Animal Advocacy, Dies at 91

December 28, 2025

The world of cinema and beyond mourns the loss of Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress, singer, and fervent animal rights champion, who passed away peacefully at her beloved home in Saint-Tropez, leaving behind an indelible legacy of beauty, rebellion, and compassion.

A Quiet Farewell at La Madrague

Bardot's death was announced by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the organization she founded and led with unwavering dedication. In a heartfelt statement, it expressed "immense sadness" over the passing of its president, describing her as a world-renowned star who sacrificed a glittering career to champion animal welfare.

No cause of death was disclosed, though the 91-year-old had faced health challenges in recent months, including hospitalizations for serious issues earlier in the year. She spent her final days at La Madrague, the iconic waterfront villa in Saint-Tropez that became synonymous with her reclusive later life.

From Screen Siren to Global Phenomenon

Born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot in Paris on September 28, 1934, she rose from ballet training and teenage modeling to become the epitome of 1950s and 1960s sensuality. Her breakthrough came with the provocative 1956 film And God Created Woman, directed by her first husband Roger Vadim, where her barefoot mambo and uninhibited portrayal shocked and captivated audiences worldwide.

Nicknamed "B.B.," Bardot starred in over 45 films, including classics like Contempt directed by Jean-Luc Godard and Viva Maria! alongside Jeanne Moreau. Her tousled blonde hair, pouty lips, and free-spirited characters redefined female sexuality on screen, inspiring icons from Bob Dylan to Andy Warhol and influencing fashion, music, and the sexual revolution.

Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir famously analyzed her in the 1959 essay "Brigitte Bardot and the Lolita Syndrome," portraying her as both hunter and prey in a new era of liberated womanhood.

Turning Away from Fame: A Life Devoted to Animals

At the peak of her stardom in 1973, aged just 39, Bardot abruptly retired from acting, declaring she had "had enough." She channeled her fame into activism, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986 to fight animal cruelty. Auctioning personal jewels and memorabilia funded her campaigns against seal hunting, horse meat consumption, and fur, earning global admiration while sparking controversies.

In later years, Bardot embraced far-right politics and faced multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred through public statements. Yet her commitment to animals remained steadfast, identifying deeply with their plight amid the media frenzy that once hounded her.

Tributes Pour In: A Legend of Freedom

French President Emmanuel Macron led the outpouring of grief, calling Bardot a "legend of the century" who "embodied a life of freedom" through her films, voice, passion for animals, and iconic status as the face of Marianne, symbol of the French Republic.

Saint-Tropez, transformed by her presence into a global glamour spot, mourned its "most dazzling ambassador." Fans gathered outside La Madrague, while figures from cinema and activism hailed her enduring impact.

An Enduring Myth

Bardot's life was one of dazzling highs and profound shifts—from the wild energy of youth to the quiet resolve of advocacy. Married four times, mother to one son, she lived on her own terms, rejecting Hollywood's pull and embracing seclusion with her pets.

As the world reflects on her passing, Brigitte Bardot remains eternal: a zeitgeist force whose allure, defiance, and heart continue to inspire. In her words and deeds, she proved that true icons transcend time, leaving a world forever changed by their light.

Rest in peace, B.B.—the original sex kitten who roared for the voiceless.