The world of cinema and animal activism is in mourning following the death of French icon Brigitte Bardot at the age of 91. News of her passing was confirmed on 28 December 2025.
From Silver Screen Siren to Global Symbol
Bardot rocketed to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming one of the era's most celebrated sex symbols. Her impact on film and fashion was profound, defining a generation's idea of beauty and effortless style. Her image, captured in countless photographs and films, remains an enduring emblem of French glamour.
Her career was marked by iconic roles that cemented her status as a cinematic legend. She worked with renowned directors and became a muse for photographers, her face synonymous with the post-war cultural revolution in Europe.
A Lifelong Passion for Animal Welfare
In a dramatic shift that surprised many, Bardot stepped away from the limelight of acting in her late thirties. She then dedicated her life and considerable influence to a cause close to her heart: animal rights activism.
She founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the welfare and protection of animals in 1986, using her fame to campaign vigorously against hunting, animal testing, and cruelty in the farming industry. Her outspoken advocacy often placed her at the centre of public debate in France and beyond, demonstrating a fierce commitment that defined her later decades.
The Legacy of an Icon
Brigitte Bardot leaves behind a complex and powerful legacy. She is remembered not only as a film actress and style icon who captivated audiences worldwide but also as a formidable and uncompromising animal activist.
Her journey from the heights of Hollywood-adjacent stardom to a life of passionate activism shows a remarkable evolution. While the screen will forever remember her youthful allure, the animal kingdom has lost one of its most famous and vocal champions. Her death marks the end of an era for both cinema and the global animal rights movement.
