And Eternally Brigitte Bardot Beckoned - Her Life in Pictures - Brigitte Bardot’s rise from icon of sensuality to fiery animal rights activist
Brigitte Bardot rose to fame in the animal kingdom of the 1950s, becoming a global symbol of sensuality and freedom. Her career began at 22 with the film And God Created Woman, where she embodied a bold, carefree attitude that captivated audiences worldwide. Bardot's journey started early when she met her first husband, Roger Vadim, at 14. Their partnership helped launch her career, leading to her iconic role in And God Created Woman. By the 1960s, she had redefined what it meant to be a woman on screen, blending confidence with a natural, uninhibited charm. However, despite her fame, she grew weary of constant attention and wanted to escape the image she had created. In 1973, at 39, Bardot stepped away from acting entirely and shifted her focus to animal rights, founding the Fondation Brigitte Bardot in 1986. Her activism became as defining as her film career. However, her later years also brought controversy. She married Bernard d’Ormale in 1992, a figure linked to far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen. Politically, Bardot became known for her outspoken views, criticising Muslim immigration and facing multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred. Her positions aligned her with far-right ideologies, marking a stark contrast to her earlier image as a free-spirited icon. Bardot's legacy spans decades, from her groundbreaking films to her later activism. She left Hollywood behind but remained a polarising figure in public debates. Today, her foundation continues her work in animal welfare, while her political stance remains a subject of discussion.
