Brigitte Bardot, an icon of French cinema who became an international sex symbol, has died aged 91
Bardot, often referred to in France simply as “B.B.”, became one of best-known figures in postwar France, with her influence reaching beyond film into music, fashion and wider popular culture.
Stepping back from the silver screen in her 40s, she devoted much of her later life to animal rights campaigns, while also provoking controversy through her far-right sympathies and hostility to immigration.
Her passing was announced by her foundation on Sunday. The cause was not immediately known.
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French President Emmanuel Macron led the tributes to the woman who was the model for the official image of Marianne—the female figure that symbolizes the French Republic.
“Her films, her voice, her dazzling fame, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne—Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom,” Macron said.
“A French existence, a universal radiance. She moved us. We mourn a legend of the century.”
Bardot quickly became a symbol of 1950s and 60s France. Bardot’s ability to subvert traditional gender roles made her not just a sex symbol, but a pop culture icon and a touchstone for shifting social attitudes.
Despite her influence, Bardot found celebrity life isolating. She often spoke of being a prisoner of her own fame, unable to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a charity she set up to support animal rights, said she sacrificed her movie career for her passion.
“Mrs Brigitte Bardot (was) a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to give up her prestigious career in order to devote her life and energy to the defense of animals and to her Foundation,” it said.
“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation wishes to honor the memory of an exceptional woman who gave everything and gave up everything for a world more respectful of animals.”
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