Brigitte Bardot, the French actress whose screen presence helped redefine global perceptions of femininity in postwar cinema and who later became a high-profile campaigner for animal welfare, has died at the age of 91. Her death was confirmed on December 28, 2025, by French media and representatives of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation.

Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot rose to international prominence in the 1950s, becoming one of France’s most recognizable cultural figures. Her breakthrough came with the 1956 film And God Created Woman, which established her as a leading star and brought her worldwide attention. The film’s success marked a turning point in European cinema, as Bardot came to symbolize a more modern, liberated image of womanhood.

Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot appeared in dozens of films across France, Italy, and Hollywood. She worked with prominent directors and co-stars of the era and became known not only for her acting but also for her influence on fashion, music, and popular culture. Her hairstyle, clothing, and public image were widely imitated, contributing to her status as a global celebrity.

Despite sustained success, Bardot withdrew from acting in 1973, choosing to step away from public life at the age of 39. Her decision marked an abrupt end to a highly visible film career, but it also signaled the beginning of a new public role. From that point forward, she dedicated herself almost entirely to animal protection.

In 1986, Bardot founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which became one of France’s most prominent animal welfare organizations. The foundation has campaigned internationally against practices such as animal testing, seal hunting, industrial farming, and the mistreatment of domestic and wild animals. Bardot remained closely involved in the foundation’s work for decades, using her fame to draw attention to animal rights issues.

While her advocacy earned widespread recognition, Bardot’s later public life was also marked by controversy. She was repeatedly fined by French courts for statements related to immigration and Islam that were ruled to constitute incitement to racial hatred. These incidents complicated her public legacy, drawing criticism in France and abroad while she continued to defend her views.

In her later years, Bardot lived largely out of the public eye in Saint-Tropez, the southern French town closely associated with her early career. Although she rarely gave interviews, she continued to comment on animal welfare issues through open letters and foundation statements.

Following news of her death, tributes highlighted both her influence on cinema and her long-standing activism. Cultural commentators noted her role in shaping modern celebrity culture, while animal rights organizations emphasized her impact on public awareness and legislation related to animal protection.

Brigitte Bardot’s legacy remains complex, spanning film, fashion, activism, and controversy. She is remembered as one of the most influential figures in French cultural history and a woman who, after leaving the screen, devoted her life to a cause that defined her final decades.

Sources: France 24, Le Figaro CNN Entertainment, BBC, The New York Times (Movies)