Legendary French actress, singer and cultural figure Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91, her foundation announced on 28 December 2025. Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s and remained one of the most recognisable faces in global cinema.
Bardot was born in Paris in 1934 and began her career as a model before transitioning to film in the early 1950s. She achieved worldwide stardom with her role in And God Created Woman (1956), a breakthrough performance that established her as a symbol of liberated femininity and a defining screen presence of her era.
Over the course of her acting career, she appeared in more than 40 films, working with renowned directors and sharing the screen with international talents. Despite her early success, Bardot retired from acting in 1973 at the age of 39, choosing to devote her life to animal rights causes.
In 1986 she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the welfare and protection of animals, a focus that became central to her life after leaving the film industry. Bardot’s activism drew both praise and controversy, reflecting her outspoken nature.
Her later years also saw public debate over her political views, which at times sparked criticism and legal issues in France. Nevertheless, Bardot’s impact on film, fashion and popular culture endured across generations.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation confirmed her death in a statement expressing deep sadness, honouring her legacy both as a cinematic icon and as a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She is survived by family members and the wide cultural imprint she leaves behind.
