French actress Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91
Bardot starred in dozens of films but later devoted her life to causes such as animal rights.
French actress Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91.
The film star and 1960s “sex symbol” earned worldwide fame as one of the most recognisable faces of post-war cinema but later withdrew from the showbusiness world to devote her life to causes such as animal rights.
Known widely as BB because of her initials, pronounced bebe, the French word for baby, Bardot starred in dozens of movies, with Et Dieu Crea La Femme (And God Created Woman) often seen as the film that propelled her to international stardom.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which is dedicated to the protection of animals, said that she died at her home in southern France.
In a statement seen by the Press Association, the foundation said: “The Brigitte Bardot Foundation 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 the defence of animals and her foundation.
“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation wishes to pay tribute to the memory of an exceptional woman who gave up everything for a world more respectful of animals.”
It added: “Her legacy lives on through the actions and struggles that the foundation continues with the same passion and unwavering commitment to her ideals.
“The foundation will continue, now more than ever, to champion the work of Brigitte Bardot.”
Born in 1934, Bardot’s spirited performances in the 1950s and 1960s came at a time when Europe was emerging from the horrors of war and embracing a more liberated lifestyle.
Directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, And God Created Woman – released in 1956 – pushed the boundaries of sexual representation in film.
The Paris-born star came from a well-heeled background and her path to success was undoubtedly smoothed by her looks.
Her second career as an animal rights activist saw her highlight the slaughter of baby seals and condemn the use of animals in laboratory experiments.
In an interview with The Associated Press on her 73rd birthday, in 2007, she said: “Man is an insatiable predator.
“I don’t care about my past glory. That means nothing in the face of an animal that suffers, since it has no power, no words to defend itself.”
Bardot was later criticised for supporting the French far-right party National Front and in 2004 was convicted of inciting racial hatred for her comments on French Muslims in her book, A Cry In The Silence.
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