The world of cinema and animal activism mourns the loss of an icon. French actress, singer, and fervent animal rights campaigner Brigitte Bardot passed away on Sunday at her residence in southern France. She was 91 years old.
From Screen Siren to Animal Saviour
The news of her demise was confirmed by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), which cited a statement from her own foundation. The statement did not elaborate on the cause of death but revealed that she had been hospitalised last month. It also mentioned that no funeral or memorial service arrangements have been made yet.
Born in Paris on 28 September 1934 into an affluent family, Bardot, affectionately known as 'BB' in France, skyrocketed to international fame in the 1950s. She became a powerful symbol of sexual liberation. Her filmography includes nearly 50 movies, with the 1956 film And God Created Woman being a landmark. The movie courted significant controversy for its bold scenes, including one where the long-legged actress danced naked on tables.
A Life Dedicated to Animal Welfare
In a move that stunned the film industry, Bardot announced her retirement from acting in 1973 at the age of just 39. She left behind a prestigious career spanning almost five decades to dedicate her life entirely to animal welfare. As quoted by the BBC, she once poignantly stated, "I gave my youth and beauty to men, I give my wisdom and experience to animals."
Her commitment was not just in words. In 1986, she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, an organisation fiercely dedicated to protecting both wild and domestic animals. She adopted a vegetarian lifestyle and remained a vocal, often controversial, advocate. Her activism had a global reach:
- In 2013, she threatened to seek Russian citizenship in protest against plans to euthanise two ailing elephants at a French zoo.
- In 2001, her efforts contributed to an agreement with the mayor of Bucharest that saved approximately 100,000 stray dogs from being culled.
Today, her foundation boasts a massive network with more than 70,000 donors worldwide, nearly 300 employees, and over 500 volunteer investigators and delegates.
A Legacy Marred by Controversy
While celebrated for her cinematic legacy and animal rights work, Bardot's later years were also marked by legal troubles and contentious statements. She was fined on several occasions for inciting racial hatred. Furthermore, she faced criticism for making homophobic remarks, which tarnished her public image for many.
Brigitte Bardot's life was a tapestry of dazzling fame, profound conviction, and undeniable controversy. She transitioned from being one of the world's most desired film stars to becoming one of its most passionate and uncompromising voices for animal rights, leaving behind a complex and indelible legacy.
