Read the full biography of Brigitte Bardot — French actress and global icon, her age, net worth, famous films, activism, personal life, and recent news confirming her death at age 91 in 2025.
Brigitte Bardot was a French actress, singer, model, and global cultural icon who rose to international fame in the 1950s and 60s with her revolutionary screen presence and roles in landmark films. Often referred to simply as “BB,” she reshaped ideas of beauty, feminine independence, and sensuality in cinema.
Her acting career spanned two decades before she retired at the height of her fame. In later life she became a passionate animal rights activist, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to champion animal welfare worldwide. In December 2025, Bardot died at the age of 91, bringing to a close the life of one of cinema’s most unforgettable figures.
Highlights of This Biography
- Full Name: Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot
- Date of Birth: September 28, 1934
- Age: 91 years (died December 28, 2025)
- Place of Birth: Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Profession: Actress, Model, Singer, Animal Rights Activist
- Years Active (in film): 1952 – 1973
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $65 million
- Known For: Film roles, global sex-symbol status, animal welfare advocacy
Main Body
Early Life and Background
Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born in Paris, France, on September 28, 1934. Raised in a traditional Catholic family, she began ballet at a young age before transitioning into modelling as a teenager. Her iconic looks and natural charm soon led her into film.
Education and Entry Into the Arts
Bardot’s early life combined artistic training with real-world exposure. Ballet nurtured her grace and poise, and by age 15 she was already appearing on the cover of major French magazines. Her early modeling success catalysed introductions to film directors, launching her cinematic career.
Career and Stardom
Bardot’s breakthrough came with the 1956 film And God Created Woman, directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. The film challenged conventional portrayals of female sexuality and made Bardot a global star.
Over the next two decades, Bardot appeared in more than 40 films spanning genres and languages. Her charismatic performances in movies such as The Truth, Contempt, and Viva Maria! cemented her reputation as one of France’s most influential actresses. She also performed songs and recorded music that became classics in French pop culture.
Retirement From Film
At age 39, Brigitte Bardot stunned the world by retiring from acting in 1973. She stepped away from cinema at the height of her fame to pursue causes she cared deeply about, rejecting the spotlight that had defined her early life.
Animal Rights Activism
After retiring, Bardot devoted herself to animal welfare. In 1986 she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to fight animal cruelty, push for ethical treatment of animals, and oppose practices such as factory farming, bullfighting, and animal testing.
Her activism earned international recognition, and she became a vocal and uncompromising advocate for animal rights. Under her guidance, the foundation campaigned globally and inspired many to join the movement for humane treatment of animals.
Personal Life
Bardot was married four times — to Roger Vadim, Jacques Charrier, Gunter Sachs, and Bernard d’Ormale — and had one son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, born in 1960. In her memoirs, Bardot was candid about her experience with motherhood and the pressures of public life.
Controversies and Public Views
In later years, Bardot became a polarising figure due to outspoken political views and controversial statements on immigration and religion, which led to legal convictions in France for inciting racial hatred. Despite criticism, she remained steadfast in expressing her opinions throughout her later life.
Recent Health and Death (2025)
In late 2025, Bardot faced health challenges, including hospitalisation for surgery related to a serious illness. Her foundation and representatives provided updates about her recovery efforts and asked for privacy, reassuring fans as she convalesced at her home in Saint-Tropez.
On December 28, 2025, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced her passing at the age of 91. The foundation described her as a world-renowned actress and singer whose life energy was devoted to protecting animal welfare. Details about the precise circumstances of her death have not been publicly disclosed, but tributes immediately followed from admirers and leaders acknowledging her cultural impact and advocacy work.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of her death in 2025, Brigitte Bardot’s estimated net worth was approximately $65 million. Her wealth came from her prolific film career, music royalties, brand engagements, and ongoing returns from licensing of her name and image. She spent her later years living quietly on the French Riviera at her estate in Saint-Tropez, focused on her foundation, animals, and personal interests away from the public eye.
Legacy
Brigitte Bardot’s legacy extends across film history, fashion, cultural identity, and animal welfare. She redefined female presence on screen, influenced global fashion and beauty standards, and used her voice to drive critical conversations about cruelty to animals. Even as controversies emerged around her political views, her artistic contributions and advocacy work shaped countless lives and sparked movements embraced around the world.
Conclusion
Brigitte Bardot was much more than a film star — she was a cultural force whose influence resonated far beyond cinema. From the dazzling lights of mid-20th century film to decades of passionate animal rights activism, Bardot’s journey was one of both beauty and conviction. Though her passing marks the end of a remarkable life, her impact remains lasting and profound.
FAQs About Brigitte Bardot
When did Brigitte Bardot die?
Brigitte Bardot died on December 28, 2025 at the age of 91, as confirmed by her foundation.
What was Brigitte Bardot’s age at death?
She was 91 years old at the time of her passing.
What was Bardot famous for?
She was famous as a French actress, singer, model, and a sex symbol of the 1950s and 60s, best known for roles such as And God Created Woman.
What causes did she support?
After retiring from film, Bardot became a lifelong animal rights activist and founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to protect animals.
Who is Brigitte Bardot’s child?
Her son is Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, born during her marriage to Jacques Charrier.
What controversy surrounded her later life?
She faced criticism and legal convictions for inflammatory political remarks, including cases of inciting racial hatred.
What was her net worth?
Her estimated net worth at the time of her death was approximately $65 million.