Brigitte Bardot, one of the most prominent figures in French cinema, has passed away at the age of 91. At the peak of her prowess, she worked with directors like Louis Malle and Jean-Luc Godard. B.B. was also considered one of the best-known symbols of the sexual revolution. She withdrew from the industry in 1973.
Brigitte Bardot dies at the age of 91 in southern France
Brigitte Bardot, one of the most iconic faces in France and a 1960s sex symbol, passed away on Sunday at her home in Southern France, according to Bruno Jacquelin, of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals (via AP News).
Bardot withdrew from the entertainment industry in 1973 but remained a pop culture icon for her many contributions to French cinema. She acted in 47 films, performed in several musicals, and recorded more than 60 songs.
An aspiring ballerina in her youth, Bardot began acting in 1952. She became a global icon after her role in then-husband Roger Vadim’s film, And God Created Woman (1956). She earned her nickname “sex kitten” after this film and came into the notice of many prominent figures in the country.
Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir’s 1959 essay The Lolita Syndrome was based on Brigitte Bardot. It described her as “the most liberated woman of France.” She later starred in Luc Godard’s Le Mépris (1963) and Louis Malle’s Viva Maria! (1965).
In 1973, Bardot stopped acting and redirected her fierce self towards animal rights activism. She created the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and became an outspoken activist. Her headstrong approach to the matter earned the respect of many in the field. In 1985, she received the Legion of Honor, the nation’s highest recognition.
During her later years as an activist, Bardot also became a controversial figure for her comments on immigrants, especially Muslims. She was even fined six times for inciting racial hatred. She also said some controversial things about the #MeToo movement.
Despite the controversies, Brigitte Bardot continues to be remembered as a film industry legend, with many prominent figures paying tribute to her.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on ComingSoon.
