French film legend and global cultural icon Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully at her home in southern France on December 28, 2025, according to her foundation. Born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot in Paris on September 28, 1934, she rose to become one of the most recognizable and influential figures of 20th-century cinema, embodying a new vision of beauty, freedom, and modern femininity.
Bardot’s ascent began in the early 1950s, following a childhood devoted to ballet and early success as a fashion model. At just 15, she appeared on the cover of Elle, and by 1952 she had made her film debut. Her career changed dramatically in 1956 with And God Created Woman, directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. The film ignited international attention and positioned Bardot as a defining sex symbol of her generation, her natural sensuality and unapologetic presence reshaping the tone of cinema in the post-war era.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Bardot starred in dozens of films, collaborating with leading directors and earning critical praise for performances in works such as Contempt and Viva Maria!. Beyond film, she explored music and became an enduring fashion and beauty influence. Her signature look—teased hair, bold eyeliner, and effortless allure—left a permanent mark on popular culture and continues to inspire generations.
At the height of her fame, Bardot made the rare decision to walk away from acting, retiring from the screen in 1973. She redirected her public platform toward animal welfare, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. The organization became a powerful force in animal rights advocacy, amplifying awareness and pushing for reform in France and internationally.
In later years, Bardot remained outspoken, often drawing controversy for political statements that resulted in legal penalties. Despite these chapters, her cultural influence remained undeniable. She is remembered as a woman who lived on her own terms—an artist who transformed cinema, a style icon who redefined beauty, and an activist whose dedication to animal welfare became her life’s enduring mission.
Her legacy lives on through her films, her unmistakable imprint on fashion and culture, and the continued work of her foundation, which carries forward her lifelong commitment to protecting animals.
