Brigitte Bardot, the French actor and later animal welfare activist and far-right supporter, has died, triggering an outpouring of tributes. She was 91.
Bardot's death marks the end of a remarkable and tumultuous life that shaped global perceptions of women in film and ignited international debates on animal rights and free speech.
Her transformation from cinematic icon to a polarizing activist caused both adulation and controversy.
...What To KnowBardot died on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at her home in southern France, according to Bruno Jacquelin of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals. According to reporting by The Associated Press, she was hospitalized last month, but Jacquelin did not disclose the cause of her death, and confirmed that no funeral arrangements he yet been made.
The actor rose to international stardom as the lead in And God Created Woman (1956), directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim. The film's provocative themes and Bardot’s uninhibited performance shocked audiences, especially in the United States, and cemented her status as a symbol of sexual liberation.
Bardot’s distinctive look—her tousled blond hair, pout, and sensuality—quickly made her one of France's most recognizable female celebrities.
...During her career, Bardot appeared in nearly 50 films, including Jean-Luc Godard’s Contempt in 1963. She recorded music, popularized the bikini in cinema, and helped define modern French femininity.
Despite commercial success, Bardot repeatedly expressed frustration at her image as a sex symbol, once telling the BBC, “I he not had very much chance to act, mostly I he had to undress.”
She retired from acting in 1973, aged 39, and devoted herself to animal protection causes, and in doing so, founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation.
Her activism included campaigns against the seal cull in Canada, animal testing, and the consumption of horse meat. Bardot’s advocacy extended internationally—she petitioned the U.S. government and called for bans on various forms of animal cruelty. In 1985, she received France’s Legion of Honor for her efforts.
Later in life, Bardot’s outspoken criticism of immigration, Islam, and same-sex relationships led to multiple convictions and fines in French courts for inciting racial hatred. Public opinion became sharply divided, particularly as she became associated with far-right politics through her fourth husband, Bernard d’Ormale, a former adviser to National Front founder Jean-Marie Le Pen.
...What People Are SayingThe foundation said in a statement reported by French news agency AFP that it "Announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation."
On X, the AFP also posted: “Brigitte Bardot, legendary French actress, 1960s female icon, and passionate defender of animals, has died at the age of 91, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced this Sunday.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "Her films, her voice, her dazzling fame, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne—Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom. A French existence, a universal brilliance. She moved us. We mourn a legend of the century."
Wildlife TV presenter and filmmaker, Anneka Svenska, posted: “RIP Brigitte Bardot (1934-2025). She left fame to fight for animals. Founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. Rescued tens of thousands. Fought fur, puppy farms and cruelty. Helped change animal-welfare laws in France. Animals were safer because she existed.”
Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Rally party, previously said, earlier this year: “Brigitte Bardot is a woman of character, femininity, freedom, and commitment.”
What Happens NextNo funeral or memorial arrangements had been announced at the time of publication.
Bardot is survived by her fourth husband, Bernard d’Ormale. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation is expected to continue her legacy of animal rights advocacy.