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Brigitte Bardot Passes Away at 91
Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress and animal rights advocate, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for her influential roles in films such as "And God Created Woman" and "Contempt," Bardot was a symbol of rebellious youth and beauty during her career. She died in 2025, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond cinema to her passionate advocacy for animal welfare.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Bardot was born on September 28, 1934, in the affluent 16th arrondissement of Paris. She began her career in the entertainment industry early, starting as a model at the age of 15. Her film debut came in 1952 with the movie "Manina," but it was her role in "And God Created Woman" in 1956 that catapulted her to international stardom. Despite never working in Hollywood, Bardot became an international sensation and helped usher in the sexual revolution of the 1960s.
Film Career and Acclaim
Throughout her career, Bardot appeared in over 40 films, becoming known for her powerful onscreen presence and her influence on fashion and popular culture. She worked with renowned French directors and starred in a number of light comedies from 1956 to 1969. Bardot was nominated for a BAFTA as the best foreign actress, and despite her wide acclaim, she considered her performance in "La Vérité" to be her only good film.
Aside from her acting career, Bardot was also the first celebrity model for Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic, in 1969. Despite her fame, she expressed bitterness about her movie career, as quoted in 1996, and retired from the film industry in 1973 at the age of 39.
Personal Life and Animal Advocacy
Bardot's personal life was as notable as her career. She was married four times, with her first husband being director Roger Vadim. She had one son, Nicolas Charrier, with her second husband, Jacques Charrier. Bardot is survived by her fourth husband, Bernard d’Ormale, her sister Marie-Jeanne Bardot, two granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren.
After retiring from movies, Bardot became an ardent advocate for animal rights, dedicating her life to the cause. She established a charitable foundation focused on animal welfare and resisted the pressures of plastic surgery, embracing a natural lifestyle that influenced many.
Legacy and Influence
Brigitte Bardot's influence on fashion and culture during her heyday was substantial. Often referred to as B.B. in France, her style and persona made significant impacts on the trends of the 1960s. Her role as a symbol of beauty and rebellion was further cemented by her refusal to conform to Hollywood norms, choosing instead to focus on causes she was passionate about.
Her passing marks the end of an era for many who viewed her as an icon of the silver screen and a pioneer in advocating for animal rights. The Hollywood Walk of Fame may not feature her name, but Bardot's contributions to cinema and her philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the world at large.
"I have lived my life in my own way, and I have never been anyone's puppet." - Brigitte Bardot, 1996