Brigitte Bardot, Iconic French Actress and Animal Rights Advocate, Dies at 91

Brigitte Bardot, renowned French actress and prominent animal welfare campaigner, has passed away at the age of 91, according to an announcement from her foundation. Bardot was celebrated for her influential career in European cinema, appearing in 56 films before she retired from acting in the early 1970s to focus on animal rights activism.

Rising to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, Bardot became a global cultural figure, noted for her performances in films such as And God Created Woman and Contempt. Her distinctive presence and style made her an emblematic figure in post-war cinema and a symbol of the era's changing attitudes towards femininity and freedom. In recognition of her national significance, Bardot's image was chosen in 1969 as the model for "Marianne," the allegorical representation of the French Republic, featured on official statues, stamps, and coins.

Bardot ended her acting career in 1973, expressing a desire to withdraw from the public spotlight and dedicate her life to the protection of animals. She later recounted that her experiences witnessing harsh animal culls, particularly during a visit to Canada where she observed seal hunts, left a lasting impact and motivated her lifelong advocacy.

In 1986, Bardot established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals, which became a leading voice in animal welfare movements both in France and internationally. The foundation has been involved in campaigns against the culling of seal pups, the use of animals in laboratory testing, and the closure of horse abattoirs, as well as efforts to end ritual animal sacrifice practices. Bardot's activism contributed to increased public awareness and policy changes regarding animal welfare across Europe.

Throughout her life, Bardot remained a divisive figure due to her outspoken public statements and political positions. In addition to her advocacy work, she faced legal challenges for remarks considered inflammatory by French courts, particularly those directed toward France's Muslim community and related to religious animal slaughter practices. These comments led to several convictions for inciting racial or religious hatred between 1997 and 2008.

Bardot's personal life also attracted public attention. She was married multiple times, and in 1992, she wed Bernard d'Ormale, a former adviser to the far-right National Front party. Her support for the party and its leadership further contributed to her controversial legacy in the later years of her life.

Despite these controversies, Bardot received acknowledgments from public figures and institutions following her death, many of whom highlighted her significant contributions to cinema and animal protection. French officials and animal welfare organizations have commended her unwavering commitment, noting that her efforts helped to change perceptions and improve the welfare of animals in France and abroad.

Bardot's legacy remains marked by her transformation from international film star to dedicated animal rights advocate, leaving an enduring impact on both French culture and the global animal welfare movement.