Brigitte Bardot Dies at 91, Leaving Behind a Life of Cinematic Stardom and Controversial Advocacy
- Dec 28, 2025
- 4 min read
28 December 2025
Brigitte Bardot, a name synonymous with cinematic glamour and one of the most recognisable figures in 20th-century screen history, has died at the age of 91, her foundation confirmed on December 28, 2025, at her home in Saint-Tropez where she had lived for much of her adult life and which became as much a symbol of her persona as the films that made her internationally famous. Bardot rose to global prominence in the 1950s with her breakthrough performance in And God Created Woman and quickly became emblematic of a new era of sexual liberation and cinematic allure that captivated audiences around the world. In films and photographs her image came to define a kind of effervescent yet defiant femininity that helped reshape popular culture and influence not only fashion and film but the very notion of stardom itself. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes and reflections across Europe and beyond as admirers and critics alike assess the full arc of a life that was as dazzling as it was divisive.
Born on September 28, 1934, in Paris to a traditional Catholic family, Bardot’s early life was steeped in the arts and self-expression. She trained as a ballet dancer and later moved into modelling, where her striking looks soon caught the attention of filmmakers. By her early twenties Bardot had already begun a film career that would make her one of the biggest stars of the post-war era, earning acclaim alongside established names while also drawing criticism in more conservative circles for her bold screen presence and unvarnished portrayals of sensuality. Films such as …and God Created Woman showcased her commanding screen presence and helped solidify her status not only as a sex symbol but also as an icon of what some critics saw as a freer, more expressive age.
Bardot’s fame in the 1950s and 1960s extended far beyond France. In the United States and across Europe she was often billed simply by her initials BB, a shorthand for a kind of star power that seemed to transcend geography. Her influence permeated fashion, music and visual culture even as her fame attracted intense media scrutiny and paparazzi attention. Yet by the early 1970s she had grown weary of both the glare of publicity and what she sometimes described as the superficiality of the film world, and in 1973, at just 39 years old, she walked away from acting at the height of her powers.
The next chapter of Bardot’s life was defined by her passionate commitment to animal rights. In 1986 she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals, devoting her time, her considerable personal resources and her notoriety to campaigns against cruelty in hunting, farming and fur industries, and to public education about humane treatment of animals. Her advocacy was tireless and often dramatic, ranging from high-profile protests to tours of facilities and shelters. The foundation she built became a major voice in animal welfare circles, supporting reforms and drawing attention to issues that had previously languished at the margins of public debate.
Yet Bardot’s legacy was not without controversy. In her later years she became a vocal figure in political and social debates in France, often expressing opinions on immigration, religion and cultural identity that sparked widespread criticism and legal consequences. Bardot was convicted multiple times for inciting racial hatred due to remarks about Muslims and immigrants, and her outspoken views drew sharp rebukes even as they attracted support from far-right circles. These controversies complicated the public’s view of her memory; while some preserved the image of Bardot as a fearless individualist, others increasingly saw her as a figure whose cultural contributions were shadowed by remarks many found offensive and harmful.
Her death has prompted a wide range of responses, reflecting the complexity of her impact. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to her as a “legend of the century” whose art and passion for animal protection left an indelible mark on French culture. At the same time calls for national tributes have reignited debates about how figures with complicated legacies should be honoured in public life. Discussions in France over whether her achievements merit formal state recognition have highlighted broader tensions over culture, history and the criteria by which national icons are commemorated.
Locally, in Saint-Tropez, where Bardot helped popularise the Mediterranean resort as a global destination, plans for her funeral and burial reflect both personal intimacy and wide public interest. A private ceremony is scheduled for January 7, 2026, at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church, with a public tribute planned for residents and admirers in the town’s historic heart. Bardot will be laid to rest in the marine cemetery overlooking the sea she loved, among family, friends and fellow luminaries of French culture.
Beyond official reactions, fans and cultural commentators have been sharing memories of Bardot’s films, her activism, her unmistakable style and the impact she had on generations of artists, performers and animal welfare advocates. Social media tributes include recollections of her final public appeal for a rescue dog, posted just a day before her death, underscoring her lifelong devotion to the causes she championed even in her final hours.
Brigitte Bardot’s life and legacy remain subjects of intense discussion and reevaluation. From the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera to the global stages of cinema and advocacy, she carved out a presence that transcended borders and genres, attracting admiration, debate and analysis. Whether remembered first as a luminous screen star, a devoted animal rights activist, or a provocateur whose statements stirred controversy, Bardot’s influence on 20th- and early 21st-century culture is undeniable, and her passing at 91 marks the end of an era in cinematic and activist history that will continue to be explored for years to come.
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