Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became an international icon for her daring performances and free-spirited persona, has died at the age of 91. Her foundation announced the development on Sunday.
Bardot rose to fame in the 1956 film And God Created Woman, captivating audiences with her charisma and breaking away from traditional cinematic norms.
Okay News reports that Bardot, often called “B.B.” in France, later devoted her life to animal welfare, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Protection of Animals in 1986.
Despite her advocacy and cultural impact, her later years were marked by controversial political statements and legal convictions over comments on immigration and Islam.
Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot began as a model before transitioning to film, music, and international stardom. She retired from cinema in 1973, citing disillusionment with the industry, and spent her remaining years in Saint-Tropez, dedicating herself to animal rights.
Bardot’s influence on fashion, film, and social attitudes remains widely acknowledged, even as her outspoken views polarized public opinion.