The world of cinema and animal advocacy is in mourning following the announcement of the death of French icon Brigitte Bardot at the age of 91. The actress and singer, who became a global style icon, passed away at her home in Saint Tropez after a period of declining health.
A Life Dedicated to Animal Welfare
In a poignant farewell, some of Bardot's final social media posts, shared just days before her passing, captured her doing what she loved most: caring for animals. A festive Christmas Day upload from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation showed a happy and healthy-looking Bardot posing with her beloved dogs.
The post wished followers a "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays," adding: "Thank you for your support! Take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and your pets." Another joyful image showed the star, a regular volunteer at her foundation's centre, puckering up to kiss a dog sitting contentedly on her lap.
Bardot established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, and from that point dedicated the majority of her life to the charity. She famously shocked Hollywood by quitting her acting career at the peak of her fame in the 1980s to devote herself entirely to animal rights, a cause she said she had always wanted to champion.
Health Struggles and a Storied Career
The Foundation announced her death on Sunday morning with a statement expressing "immense sadness." It paid tribute to its founder, "a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare."
Her death followed a recent hospital stay in Toulon. In October 2025, Bardot spent three weeks in hospital for what was initially described as minor surgery. It was later reported the procedure was part of a treatment plan for a serious, unspecified illness. She was readmitted in November for approximately 10 days due to complications or follow-up care.
This followed previous health challenges. In 2023, she was hospitalised twice for respiratory issues. Shortly before her 90th birthday, Bardot revealed she was dependent on crutches and could "hardly walk anymore."
Before her animal rights work took centre stage, Bardot enjoyed an illustrious film career spanning 49 movies. She gained international fame and broke taboos with her role in the 1956 film And God Created Woman, which became the highest-grossing foreign film in the US at the time, earning $4 million.
A Lasting Legacy
Her other notable films included The Truth (La Vérité), her biggest commercial success in France, Contempt (Le Mépris), and Babette Goes to War. She received a BAFTA nomination in 1967 for her performance in Viva Maria!
Born into an affluent Parisian family, Bardot trained in classical ballet at the Conservatoire de Paris before being discovered on the cover of Elle magazine at age 15. She was married four times: to director Roger Vadim (1952-1957), actor Jacques Charrier (1959-1962), German millionaire Gunter Sachs (1966-1969), and finally to Bernard d'Ormale from 1992 until her death.
Brigitte Bardot is survived by her husband Bernard, her son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, her grandchildren Anna and Thea, several great-grandchildren, and her sister Mijanou Bardot. Her legacy as a cinematic pioneer and a relentless voice for the voiceless endures.
