Brigitte Bardot has died aged 91. The French actress and singer became an international sex symbol but ultimately turned her back on the film industry to become an animal rights activist. She shot to fame with her 1956 film And God Created Woman, which was written and directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. But two decades later she announced her retirement from the film industry and focused on her support of animal rights.
Her death comes weeks after she was rushed to hospital after undergoing surgery following an illness which resulted in her hospitilisation for three weeks. Just last month she was rushed back to hospital once again after battling another illness, but she returned home days later and was “resting”. A statement was issued via The Brigitte Bardot foundation to confirm the news.
A statement was issued via her foundation to Agence France-Presse on Sunday, but did not specify the time or place of death. The statement read: “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 animal welfare and her foundation.”
Tributes have poured in for the actress, with Piers Morgan writing: RIP Brigitte Bardot, 91, the greatest sex symbol of them all, and the woman who made St Tropez the coolest place in the world.”
Uri Geller wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear the legend Brigitte Bardot has died. I met her several times in Paris – she was as beautiful and dazzling in real life as she was on screen. A great supporter of animals rights – we both stood against animal cruelty and eating meat. She was a unique icon – there will not be another like her. My heart goes out to all the people who loved her, her family and all her fans worldwide.”
Brigitte’s death comes two months after she was forced to shut down rumours that she had passed after her previous hospitalisation. She previously wrote on X: “I’m fine. I don’t know which idiot started this ‘fake news’ about my disappearance tonight, but know that I’m fine and I have no intention of bowing out.”
She spoke openly about her health battles over the years, admitting before her 90th birthday that she had been struggling to walk without aid. She said at the time to La Parisienne: “I can hardly walk anymore, I’m dependent on crutches, and dancing is very difficult for me.”
In 2023, she had suffered severe breathing difficulties, resulting in emergency services attending her home.
Bardot was a famous actess, singer and model with endless film credits dating from the 60s to the 70s, including Contempt, Viva Maria! and The Truth.
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