French actress Brigitte Bardot, who has died aged 91, arguably redefined cinematic allure, captivating the world as a 1950s screen icon.
From her breakout appearance in And God Created Woman to her provocative roles in The Truth, Contempt, and Viva Maria!, she pioneered a fresh image of female sexuality and liberation on screen, before dedicating her life to animal rights.
Bardot's life was one of glamour, controversy, and conviction.
Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot trained as a ballerina before her striking beauty caught the eye of filmmakers.
At 18, she married director Roger Vadim, who cast her in And God Created Woman, a provocative film that launched her to international stardom. Bardot's sensual, carefree persona in this French New Wave classic redefined femininity and made her a Cannes sensation.
Through the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot became a global phenomenon with roles in The Truth, earning critical acclaim for her dramatic depth, and Contempt, a Jean-Luc Godard masterpiece, and Viva Maria!, showcasing her comedic flair alongside Jeanne Moreau.
Her tousled hair and bold eyeliner set fashion trends worldwide, while her performances cemented Bardot as a cinematic trailblazer.
In 1973, at the height of her fame, Bardot retired from acting at 39 to champion animal rights, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. Her bold shift from screen siren to activist was backed by a genuine commitment to living authentically.
Despite her later controversies and public criticisms, including homophobic remarks, Bardot's legacy as a cultural icon and an advocate for animal welfare endures.
Settling in Saint-Tropez, Bardot embraced a quieter life, far from the spotlight while remaining a lingering symbol of French cinema and the allure of the 1960s.
