Tributes keep coming for the legendary 60s screen idol

Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress and cultural figure, has passed away at the age of 91. Her death was confirmed by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the animal protection organization she established and led for decades.

Bardot began her career as a model before quickly rising to international fame in the 1950s. Her beauty and unconventional screen presence set her apart in postwar cinema.

She achieved worldwide recognition with And God Created Woman (1956), a film that reshaped her image into a symbol of freedom, sensuality, and independence. The role made her one of the most recognizable stars of her generation.

During the height of her career, Bardot appeared in over twenty films. In 1973, at the age of 39, she made the surprising decision to step away from acting entirely.

After retiring from cinema, Bardot devoted her life to animal welfare. In 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which campaigns internationally against animal cruelty.

Her activism included strong opposition to seal hunting and advocacy for better treatment of farm and wild animals. Over time, she became a prominent and controversial voice in animal rights movements.

Following her death, tributes came from across France and beyond. President Emmanuel Macron described her as a “legend of the century.” Despite later political controversies, Bardot is remembered for her lasting influence on cinema and her lifelong dedication to protecting animals.