French Cinema Icon Brigitte Bardot Passes Away at 91
French cinema actress Brigitte Bardot, who transformed 1950s French cinema and emerged as a symbol of sexual liberation, has passed away at the age of 91. Known affectionately as BB in her homeland, Bardot starred in nearly 50 films, most famously in And God Created Woman. She retired from acting in 1973 to focus on her dedication to animal welfare.
Mourning a Legend
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed national sorrow, stating, We mourn a legend of the century, while the Brigitte Bardot Foundation hailed her as a world-renowned actress. However, Bardot’s later years were marred by controversy due to homophobic remarks and multiple fines for inciting racial hatred.
The foundation established by Bardot released a statement announcing her death with immense sadness, emphasizing her commitment to animal welfare. It noted she was 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, but did not disclose details of her passing.
In tribute, Macron highlighted her remarkable contributions, stating, Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory… Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom. Meanwhile, French far-right politician Marine Le Pen acknowledged Bardot as an exceptional woman known for her talent, courage, and beauty.
Brigitte Bardot: A Trailblazer in Cinema
Born in Paris in 1934 to a wealthy family who envisioned her as a ballerina, Bardot’s career took flight when she was discovered at a young age after gracing the cover of Elle magazine. She rapidly became a sensation and transitioned into cinema, earning acclaim for her groundbreaking role in And God Created Woman, directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim. This film, which highlighted themes of sexual freedom, shocked American audiences and was even banned in some U.S. states, while French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir celebrated her as an icon of absolute freedom.
As her career blossomed, Bardot became a global star, shining in notable films such as:
– The Truth: Showcased her dramatic depth.
– Contempt: A masterpiece by Jean-Luc Godard, further solidifying her status.
– Viva Maria!: Highlighted her comedic talent alongside Jeanne Moreau.
Her versatility was evident in roles like the emotionally complex character in Love on a Pillow and the romantic lead in Two Weeks in September. Even in more comedic performances like The Bear and the Doll, Bardot captivated audiences with her undeniable charm.
Beyond her impressive filmography, Bardot left a mark as a fashion icon. Her signature tousled blonde hair and bold eyeliner set trends across the globe, and her off-the-shoulder attire at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953 introduced the world to the now-famous Bardot neckline.
Animal Welfare Advocate
After a highly publicized rise to fame, Bardot tired of being cast as a mere hedonistic sex symbol. In a bold move, she retired at 39, stating, I gave my youth and beauty to men; I give my wisdom and experience to animals. This marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. In 1986, she launched the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, dedicated to protecting wild and domestic animals.
An avowed vegetarian, Bardot’s activism reached a peak in 2013 when she threatened to obtain Russian citizenship to protest against plans to euthanize sick elephants in a French zoo. Her dedication garnered recognition, as evidenced by tributes from France’s oldest animal protection organization, The Société Protectrice des Animaux, commemorating her as an iconic and passionate figure for the animal cause.
A Controversial Legacy
Despite her cinematic success and advocacy, Bardot’s legacy is complex. In her later years, controversial comments about Islam, homosexuality, and the #MeToo movement tarnished her reputation. From the late 1990s, she faced multiple fines for inciting racial hatred due to inflammatory remarks online and in interviews. For instance, she was fined €15,000 in 2008 for claims that Muslims were destroying our country. Additionally, her 2003 book A Cry in the Silence criticized various societal elements, including modern art and immigration, as threats to French culture.
In 2018, she dismissed actresses speaking out against sexual harassment as hypocritical and questioned their motives, further complicating the public’s perception of her.
Conclusion: Remembering Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot’s contributions to both cinema and animal welfare have left an indelible mark on culture and society. While her later life was marred by controversy, her early work revolutionized French cinema, and she will forever be remembered as a pioneering actress who embodied freedom and beauty, resonating with audiences worldwide.