5 Shocking Truths About Brigitte Bardot's Life At 91: From Sex Symbol To Controversial Activist
Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French icon known globally by her initials B.B., remains one of the most compelling and controversial figures of the 20th century. Even in her nineties, the former actress and singer continues to make headlines, proving that her powerful voice—now dedicated entirely to animal rights—is far from silenced. As of late 2025, the world is once again focused on the star who famously walked away from cinema at the height of her fame, thanks to a recent health scare and ongoing political statements.
This article dives deep into the life of the woman who defined the French New Wave, from her scandalous breakthrough in Saint-Tropez to her fervent, often-fined, second career as an activist. We explore the latest updates on her health, the reality of her life in seclusion at La Madrague, and the enduring legacy of a star who chose animals over adoration.
Brigitte Bardot: A Life in Brief and Key Entities
To understand the current controversies and the enduring myth, one must first look at the extraordinary trajectory of Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot.
- Full Name: Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot
- Date of Birth: September 28, 1934
- Place of Birth: Paris, France
- Key Roles: Actress, Singer, Model, Animal Rights Activist
- Iconic Nickname: B.B.
- Breakthrough Film: And God Created Woman (1956), directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim.
- Other Notable Films: Contempt (Le Mépris) (1963), Viva Maria! (1965), The Truth (1960).
- Retirement: Retired from acting in 1973, having starred in 47 films.
- Foundation: Established the Fondation Brigitte Bardot for the Welfare and Protection of Animals in 1986.
- Residence: La Madrague, Saint-Tropez, where she lives in seclusion.
- Marriages (4): Roger Vadim, Jacques Charrier, Gunter Sachs, and Bernard d'Ormale (current husband).
- Child: Nicolas-Jacques Charrier (with Jacques Charrier).
The Recent Health Scare and Death Rumors at Age 91
The most immediate and fresh news surrounding the icon in 2024 and 2025 has centered on her health. At 91 years old, the former French sex symbol has faced a series of health scares that have prompted global media attention.
In a recent update, Brigitte Bardot was briefly hospitalized in a Toulon hospital for what was described by her office as "minor surgery" or a "serious illness" in different reports. While the specifics of the hospitalization were kept private, the news sparked a wave of false and malicious death rumors online.
The actress was forced to issue a direct statement to her fans, vehemently denying the reports and reassuring the public that she was recovering well at her home, La Madrague. She reportedly called the creator of the "fake news" an "idiot," demonstrating that her fiery spirit remains intact despite her age and recent difficulties. This incident highlights the intense, almost obsessive, global fascination that still surrounds her, decades after she left the spotlight for a quiet life in Saint-Tropez.
The Controversial Second Act: Animal Activism and Political Firestorms
Brigitte Bardot’s life is a story of two halves: the international cinema legend and the ferocious, often controversial, animal rights crusader. Since retiring from acting in the 1970s, she has dedicated her life and fortune to the Fondation Brigitte Bardot, established in 1986. She even sold her personal jewelry and donated her famous Saint-Tropez property, La Madrague, to the foundation to secure its public utility status.
However, her passion often spills into controversial territory. Her outspoken nature has led to multiple legal battles and fines, primarily for inciting racial hatred.
The Political Statements That Led to Fines
Bardot has been fined six times for her provocative public comments, particularly when criticizing immigration and Islam in France. Her statements, which she often links to her animal welfare concerns, have been widely condemned as xenophobic and racist. A notable controversy involved a letter she sent regarding the treatment of animals in Réunion Island, where she described the inhabitants as "aboriginals who have kept their savage genes". This history of controversial political engagement is a significant part of her modern-day profile, creating a complex legacy that juxtaposes her charitable work with her divisive political views.
Recent Activism: The Paris 2024 Olympic Games
In a very current example of her ongoing activism, Bardot publicly stated that Paris should not host the 2024 Olympic Games. Her objection was rooted in the potential use of animals for events, a stance that demonstrates her uncompromising commitment to animal welfare, even on the global stage. She has also written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in support of campaigns against animal cruelty related to the World Cup. This shows that even in her 90s, secluded in her home, she remains a powerful and proactive force in the animal rights movement, using her legendary status to pressure international organizations.
The Enduring Myth of B.B.: From *And God Created Woman* to Reclusion
The myth of Brigitte Bardot began in 1956 with the film And God Created Woman. Directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim, the film catapulted the young actress to international stardom, cementing her status as the ultimate French sex symbol. Her carefree, uninhibited portrayal of a young woman in Saint-Tropez was revolutionary, challenging the conservative social norms of the time and making her a global icon of sexual liberation.
Her career was marked by other iconic roles, including the highly acclaimed Contempt (Le Mépris) by Jean-Luc Godard, a masterpiece of the French New Wave cinema. However, the intense scrutiny and pressure of fame ultimately led her to make a dramatic and highly unusual decision: to retire at the young age of 39.
Since then, she has lived a life of reclusion at her estate, La Madrague, in Saint-Tropez. This property, which she bought in 1958, became her sanctuary and later the headquarters of her Foundation. Her choice to leave the glitz of Hollywood and Paris for the quiet, solitary life of an activist is perhaps the most defining act of her entire life, solidifying her legacy as "The Woman Who Said No" to the world's adoration in favor of a higher cause.
The Complex Legacy: Icon, Activist, and Political Figure
Brigitte Bardot's legacy is a tapestry woven with threads of glamour, controversy, and unwavering dedication. She is credited with popularizing the bikini, the chignon, and the 'Bardot neckline,' forever influencing fashion and beauty standards. Yet, her image is complicated by her controversial political views, which have led to her being seen by some as a figure of both liberation and division.
Today, as a nonagenarian, she continues to live a life of passionate commitment, defying expectations and rumors. Her story—from the ultimate sex symbol of the 1950s and 60s to a fierce, outspoken animal rights activist in the 2020s—ensures that the name Brigitte Bardot will remain synonymous with both revolutionary beauty and uncompromising conviction for generations to come.
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