Brigitte Bardot, the French film star who transformed herself from international sex symbol into one of Europe’s most prominent animal rights activists, has died at the age of 91.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals, which she established in 1986, confirmed her passing in a statement released Sunday, December 28. The announcement was shared through Agence France-Presse.
True to the cause that consumed the final decades of her life, Bardot’s last public action was advocating for animals in need. Just one day before the foundation announced her death, her social media accounts shared what would become her final post—an appeal to help find a home for a rescue dog in vulnerable circumstances.
This final gesture encapsulates the remarkable second act of Bardot’s life. After retiring from the entertainment industry in 1973 at the height of her fame, she devoted herself entirely to animal welfare, becoming as well-known for her activism as she had been for her film career.
Bardot rose to international prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, embodying a new kind of European glamour that captivated audiences worldwide. Her performances in films during that era made her one of the most recognizable faces in cinema. She became synonymous with French culture itself, representing a particular moment in postwar European society.
However, Bardot grew increasingly disillusioned with the entertainment industry and the intense public scrutiny that accompanied her celebrity. Her decision to walk away from acting at age 39 shocked many, but she had found a new purpose.
The foundation she created has worked for nearly four decades to protect animals from abuse and exploitation. Under her leadership, it became one of France’s most influential animal welfare organizations, advocating for legislative changes and raising public awareness about animal cruelty.
A new book titled “Being Bardot” features previously unseen photographs by Douglas Kirkland and Terry O’Neill, documenting both her glamorous film career and her later years dedicated to activism. The volume serves as a visual record of her remarkable transformation from screen icon to passionate advocate.
Bardot’s legacy remains complex. While her film work influenced generations of actresses and her activism genuinely improved conditions for countless animals, her later years were also marked by controversial statements that drew criticism and legal troubles in France.
Nevertheless, her commitment to animal welfare never wavered. She remained active in the foundation’s work until her final days, demonstrating the same intensity and dedication that had once made her a cinematic force.
The foundation has not yet announced funeral arrangements or memorial plans. Bardot’s passing marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on a life that spanned from the golden age of European cinema through decades of tireless advocacy for those without a voice.
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