French cinematic legend Brigitte Bardot, whose groundbreaking performance in ‘And God Created Woman’ (1956) catapulted her to international stardom, has died at age 91. Her foundation announced her passing on Sunday, though the specific cause of death remains undisclosed.
Bardot revolutionized female representation in cinema through her uninhibited, sensual barefoot dance in the film directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. At just 21, her untamed hair and unprecedented energy projected a sexuality rarely seen in mainstream film, breaking decisively with the restrained heroines of previous eras to become an enduring symbol of liberated femininity throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Bardot grew up in an affluent family despite describing herself as a shy child. Her career trajectory shifted dramatically when she appeared on the cover of Elle magazine at age 15, swiftly transitioning from modeling to becoming a film icon whose influence extended far beyond France. Her cultural impact was such that Bob Dylan composed a song about her in his youth, while Andy Warhol immortalized her in one of his iconic portraits.
Feminist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir praised Bardot’s natural freedom and authenticity in 1959, recognizing her as a remarkable example of genuine spontaneity in living.
Behind the glamour, Bardot faced significant personal challenges, speaking openly about the loneliness accompanying her fame and struggling with depression and suicide attempts. Her four marriages and numerous affairs remained constant subjects of public fascination.
Beyond acting, Bardot cultivated a musical career through collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg, though her public persona remained complex—both celebrated and controversial. Disillusioned with the film industry, she retired from cinema in the 1970s and retreated to Saint-Tropez, where she discovered her passion for animal activism. In 1986, she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, dedicating herself passionately—and sometimes controversially—to animal welfare causes.
Her later years were marked by political controversy due to statements about immigration and Islam, resulting in legal proceedings for inciting hatred. Married to Bernard d’Ormale, a former advisor to the far-right Front National, she expressed support for the party.
Despite polarizing viewpoints, Bardot remains an indelible cultural phenomenon whose influence on fashion, film, and popular culture is undeniable. In a 2025 interview, she emphasized that she never considered herself a symbol of the sexual revolution and that feminism ‘wasn’t her thing.’
Brigitte Bardot leaves behind a legacy of artistic innovation, social engagement, and an unmistakable personality that profoundly touched France and the global community.