Iconic 50s Movie Star Passes Away Aged 91 – She Will Be Missed

Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91, according to reports in her native France. The actress rose to prominence in the 1950s as a star of French cinema – acting in the likes of “And God Created Woman” and “Contempt” – and became a sex symbol across the globe. A key figure in the sexual revolution, Bardot helped popularize the bikini and played an important role in the sexual liberation movement. 

Brigitte Bardot Passed Away on December 28

Getty

Often known simply by her initials B.B., Bardot also worked as a singer and model in her career before moving away from the world of entertainment. In recent decades, she dedicated herself to animal rights activism, setting up her own animal welfare organisation in 1986. 

Over the last few months, there have been numerous reports of her ill health and hospitalizations. 

The news of Bardot’s passing comes from a statement released by the Brigitte Bardot foundation. The message was sent to French media (via ABC News) but includes no details about the time and place of her death. 

The statement reads, “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 Pour in for Brigitte Bardot

Getty

As news of her passing broke, tributes from significant figures in France, animal rights groups, and social media users. 

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, “Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne, Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom. French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century.”

The Société Protectrice des Animaux, the oldest animal protection association in France, paid tribute saying, “Since the 1970s, and then through her foundation created in the 1980s, she has devoted her life to defending those who have no voice. Her unwavering commitment has helped raise awareness and achieve major advances for animal protection.”

Wildlife television presenter Anneka Svenksa wrote, “She left fame to fight for animals. Founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. Rescued tens of thousands. Fought fur, puppy farms & cruelty. Helped change animal-welfare laws in France. Animals were safer because she existed.”

The post Iconic 50s Movie Star Passes Away Aged 91 – She Will Be Missed appeared first on EntertainmentNow.