Paris, France – Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress, has died at the age of 91. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Protection of Animals announced her passing on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at her home in the south of France. While the foundation did not specify the cause of death, Bardot had reportedly undergone minor surgery in October and was hospitalized again in November for what French media described as “serious” health reasons.
Known in France as “BB,” Bardot was one of the most celebrated actresses of the 20th century before becoming an animal rights activist and later, a controversial figure due to her anti-immigrant and anti-Islam stances.
Born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot on September 28, 1934, in Paris, she was discovered by Elle magazine at the age of 15. Her acting career began after her marriage to director Roger Vadim in 1952. Bardot achieved international fame with her role in Vadim’s 1956 film, “And God Created Woman,” portraying a free-spirited woman with unprecedented boldness. Filmed in Saint-Tropez, the movie caused a sensation and made Bardot a global symbol of the sexual revolution of the 1950s and 60s.
During her 21-year career, Bardot starred in over 45 films, working with renowned French directors such as Jean-Luc Godard and Louis Malle. Her beauty, flowing blonde hair, and full lips inspired millions worldwide. In 1969, her face was chosen as the model for “Marianne,” the national symbol of France.
However, facing constant media harassment and psychological pressure, Bardot attempted suicide in 1960. In 1973, at the age of 39, she retired from acting, stating she was “tired of being beautiful every day.”
After retiring from the screen, Bardot dedicated her life to animal welfare, but she later became criticized for expressing anti-immigrant views.
