Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress of the 1960s known for her on-screen appeal and later for her animal rights advocacy and far-right political views, has passed away at the age of 91 at her residence in southern France, as confirmed by Bruno Jacquelin from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. The cause of her death remains undisclosed, with funeral arrangements pending. Bardot rose to global fame with her role in the 1956 film “And God Created Woman,” directed by her then-spouse Roger Vadim, showcasing her as a symbol of France’s departure from traditional norms.
Recognized for her beauty and charisma, Bardot’s image was even chosen to represent Marianne, a national emblem of France. Apart from her successful acting career spanning 28 films, Bardot emerged as a prominent animal rights advocate, denouncing practices like the seal hunt and animal testing. Her activism earned her accolades, including the Legion of Honour in 1985.
However, as Bardot delved deeper into animal rights activism, her stance took a controversial turn towards the far right, leading to legal issues for inciting racial hatred. Her marriage to Bernard d’Ormale, linked to the far-right National Front, and her support for figures like Marine Le Pen reflected her political shift. Despite facing criticism for her extremist views, Bardot remained vocal on various issues, including her skepticism towards the #MeToo movement in 2018.
Born in 1934, Bardot’s early life was marked by challenges, including a strict upbringing and turbulent relationships. Her cinematic legacy includes notable films like “Contempt” and “And God Created Woman,” where her sensuality captivated audiences. Bardot’s transition from a film star to an animal rights advocate in her later years showcased a different facet of her persona, emphasizing her commitment to protecting animals worldwide.
In her relentless pursuit to end animal cruelty, Bardot campaigned against diverse practices globally, urging for legislative changes and challenging established traditions. Despite facing controversies and backlash for her outspoken views, Bardot remained steadfast in her advocacy, drawing parallels between her past struggles and the plight of animals in need of protection.