At a Glance
- Brigitte Bardot, French film icon and activist, dies at 91.
- No cause of death disclosed; funeral plans pending.
- Legacy spans cinema, animal rights, and far-right politics.
- Why it matters: Her death marks the end of a controversial legacy that shaped French culture and politics.
Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress turned activist, died Sunday at her southern France home at age 91. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation spokesperson confirmed no cause of death and no funeral plans, noting she had been hospitalized the month before. Her passing marks the end of a career that spanned film, activism, and political controversy.
Bardot’s Early Stardom and National Icon
Bardot burst onto the international scene with the 1956 film ‘And God Created Woman,’ directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. The film’s scandalous scenes of a young bride dancing naked on tables made her a symbol of 1960s sexual liberation.
- 28 films
- 3 marriages
- 1969: her image chosen for France’s national emblem, Marianne
Activism and Far-Right Alignment
After retiring from film, Bardot devoted herself to animal rights, campaigning against seal slaughter, laboratory experiments, and Muslim slaughter rituals. She declared in 2007 that “Man is an insatiable predator” and that animals deserve protection.
Brigitte Bardot said:
> “Man is an insatiable predator, I don’t care about my past glory. That means nothing in the face of an animal that suffers, since it has no power, no words to defend itself.”
- Arctic seal protests
- Anti-lab animal campaigns
- Opposition to Muslim slaughter
- Five convictions for inciting racial hatred
- 1992 marriage to Bernard d’Ormale, adviser to National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen
- 2012 support for Marine Le Pen’s presidential bid
Final Days and Legacy
Bardot passed away Sunday at her home in southern France. The foundation spokesperson, Bruno Jacquelin, said no cause of death was disclosed and no funeral arrangements had been made. She had been hospitalized the month prior.
Emmanuel Macron wrote:
> “We are mourning a legend”
- Age 91
- No cause disclosed
- No funeral plans
Key Takeaways
- Bardot’s death ends a life that blended cinematic fame, animal activism, and political controversy.
- Her legacy includes a national emblem, a Legion of Honor, and multiple convictions for hate speech.
- No cause of death or funeral arrangements have been announced.
The passing of Brigitte Bardot closes a chapter in French cultural history, leaving a legacy that will continue to provoke debate.
