PARIS — Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress whose beauty, charisma, and rebellious spirit transformed European cinema and global pop culture, has died at 91. Her death marks the end of an era for French film and for the millions who saw her as a symbol of freedom, glamour, and artistic revolution.
Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s with films such as And God Created Woman, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Her effortless sensuality, signature tousled hair, and bold screen presence helped redefine modern femininity and turned her into a global icon of French cinema.
But Bardot was more than a movie star. After retiring from acting at 38, she reinvented herself as one of Europe’s most outspoken animal‑rights activists, dedicating her life to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. Her advocacy work became as defining as her film career, earning her admiration from supporters around the world.
News of her death has sparked tributes across France and beyond. Filmmakers, actors, and cultural leaders praised Bardot as a trailblazer who reshaped the boundaries of film and celebrity. Fans gathered in Saint‑Tropez — the seaside town she helped make famous — leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes honoring the woman who once embodied the spirit of the French Riviera.
Bardot’s legacy is complex, radiant, and enduring. She leaves behind a body of work that influenced generations of actors and directors, as well as a global movement for animal welfare that continues to grow. For many, she will always remain the face of a cinematic golden age — a woman who lived boldly, loved fiercely, and changed the cultural landscape in ways that still echo today.
