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French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot, whose presence reshaped 1950s film culture and redefined ideals of freedom and femininity, has died at the age of 91. Her death was announced with “immense sadness” by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the animal welfare organisation she founded.
Affectionately known as “BB,” Bardot starred in nearly 50 films and rose to global fame with the 1956 classic And God Created Woman. The role turned her into an international symbol of sexual liberation and cinematic rebellion, scandalising audiences in parts of the United States while earning praise from European intellectuals. Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir famously described her as an embodiment of “absolute freedom.”
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, calling her “a legend of the century” who represented both French identity and universal brilliance. Other political and cultural figures also acknowledged her influence, recognising her lasting impact on cinema and popular culture.
Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot delivered memorable performances in acclaimed films such as The Truth, Contempt, and Viva Maria!, showcasing dramatic depth, emotional vulnerability, and comedic charm. Beyond acting, she became a fashion trailblazer, popularising the now-famous “Bardot neckline” and setting global beauty trends with her signature style.
Despite her immense fame, Bardot retired from acting in 1973 at the age of 39, choosing to dedicate her life to animal welfare. In 1986, she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which continues to advocate for the protection of animals worldwide. “I gave my youth and beauty to men; I give my wisdom and experience to animals,” she once said.
In later years, her public image was complicated by controversial remarks that led to legal penalties, drawing criticism alongside continued admiration for her earlier artistic legacy.
Brigitte Bardot is survived by her son, Nicolas. Her death marks the end of an era in French cinema, leaving behind a complex legacy of artistic brilliance, cultural influence, and passionate activism.
