PARIS – Brigitte Bardot, the blonde bombshell who redefined post-war cinema and later walked away from global stardom to become a militant champion for animal rights, has died at the age of 91.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced her passing on Sunday, December 28, 2025, expressing “immense sadness” over the loss of its founder and president. According to foundation representatives, Bardot died at her home in Saint-Tropez. While a specific cause of death was not immediately released, her health had been a subject of public concern following a hospitalization for a “sudden illness” and surgery in late 2025.
A Cinematic Revolution
Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot rose to international prominence in the 1956 film And God Created Woman, directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim. With her signature pout, tousled hair, and uninhibited sensuality, she became the face of the French New Wave and a global symbol of the sexual revolution. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, “B.B.” starred in nearly 50 films, including Jean-Luc Godard’s Le Mépris (Contempt), and was even chosen as the model for Marianne, the national symbol of the French Republic.
From Screen to Sanctuary
In a move that shocked the world, Bardot retired from acting in 1973, just before her 40th birthday. She famously stated that she had given her youth and beauty to men and intended to give her wisdom and experience to animals.
She established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, selling her jewelry and personal memorabilia to fund it. Over the next four decades, she became a tireless, often provocative lobbyist, campaigning against seal hunting, the consumption of horse meat, and laboratory testing on animals.
A Complicated Legacy
Bardot’s later years were not without controversy. Her outspokenness transitioned into hard-line political stances, and she was convicted several times by French courts for inciting racial hatred due to comments regarding immigration and Islam. Despite these polarizing views, French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to her on Sunday, describing her as a “legend” who “embodied a life of freedom.”
Bardot is survived by her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, and her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier. No funeral arrangements have been announced, in keeping with her frequent requests for privacy in her final years.
Sources
- AFP/Yahoo News: Brigitte Bardot, Legendary Actress of the French New Wave, Dies at 91
- CBS News: French 1960s cinema icon and animal rights activist dies at 91
- The Guardian: Brigitte Bardot Obituary
- Associated Press/WCNC: Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91
Disclaimer
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure & Legal Disclaimer
AI Content Policy.
To provide our readers with timely and comprehensive coverage, South Florida Reporter uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in producing certain articles and visual content.
Articles: AI may be used to assist in research, structural drafting, or data analysis. All AI-assisted text is reviewed and edited by our team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our editorial standards.
Images: Any imagery generated or significantly altered by AI is clearly marked with a disclaimer or watermark to distinguish it from traditional photography or editorial illustrations.
General Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service.
The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice. The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.
