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Brigitte Bardot, the legendary actress and often controversial public persona, has passed away at the age of 91 on December 28, according to a report by CNN. Bardot is survived by her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, from her marriage to her second husband, actor Jacques Charrier. The couple’s union lasted from 1959 to 1963. Over the years, Bardot was also wed to Roger Vadim from 1952 to 1957, Gunter Sachs from 1966 to 1969, and finally, in 1992, she married Bernard d’Ormale, with whom she remained until her passing.
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In response to her death, her foundation issued a heartfelt statement, expressing, “The Brigitte Bardot Foundation honors the memory of an extraordinary woman who dedicated everything to creating a more animal-friendly world.” The cause of her death was not disclosed. Her passing has prompted a reflection on her life both in the limelight and beyond. Bardot was born in Paris on September 28, 1934, and caught the public eye at just 15, gracing the cover of “Elle” magazine in France, marking the start of her illustrious career.
Bardot soon transitioned to films, becoming a symbol of sensuality through roles in movies like “And God Created Woman” (1956), “A Very Private Affair” (1962), and “Viva Maria!” (1965). However, in 1973, she chose to step away from acting. She explained to The Guardian in 2019, “Many great actresses met tragic ends. When I left this profession, this life of luxury and admiration, I was protecting my own life.” Decades after her retirement, Bardot remained a cultural reference, mentioned in 2020s hits like “Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan and “Lacy” by Olivia Rodrigo.
Even after retreating from the public eye, Bardot continued to make headlines. Known for her bold and often contentious views, she was described by The Guardian as “outrageous, outspoken and controversial.” In 2019, NBC News reported that the French island of Reunion took legal action against her for a letter that used racially offensive language to criticize the citizens for alleged animal mistreatment.
Brigitte Bardot faced the spotlight and scandal
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Despite her firm stance on many issues, Bardot was initially reluctant to authorize any films about her life. “A film about my life? But I’m not dead!” she remarked in 2010, according to Express. “They wouldn’t dare do it without consulting me. If they do, there will be consequences.” Eventually, she agreed to a biographical series released in 2023. Bardot also participated in and narrated the 2025 documentary “Bardot,” which provided an intimate look into her life.
While Bardot stepped away from the spotlight, she didn’t stop making headlines. The star was known for being “outrageous, outspoken and controversial,” according to The Guardian. For instance, along with being known for her scandalous beliefs and questionable behavior, NBC News reported in 2019 that the French island of Reunion was filing legal action against Bardot over a letter she’d written that used racist terms to decry the island’s citizens over what she deemed animal abuse.
While Bardot didn’t seem keen on changing her ways, she was hesitant to allow a film to be made about her. “A film about my life? But I’m not dead!” she said in 2010, via Express. “They wouldn’t dare do it without talking to me. If they do sparks will fly.” She later gave her blessing for a biographical series to be made about her, which was released in 2023. She was also open to being the subject of the 2025 documentary “Bardot,” which she narrated and was interviewed for.
