French actor, singer, and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91, according to a statement released by her foundation.

Following the confirmation of the legendary French actress's recent departure at the age of 91, the world reflects on a figure who transcended cinema to become a symbol of freedom and vanguardism

The French have no problem reconciling sexual allure and noble, patriotic sentiments. That’s why, back in 1969, they selected Brigitte Bardot as the first celebrity face for Marianne, the personification of the French republic.

Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born in 1934 in the seizième, in Paris, not too far from the Eiffel Tower. Her family was well-connected, straight-laced, and Catholic. Louis Bardot, her father, was a well-to-do businessman. Her mother, who had been a model known as “Toty,” didn’t much care for her daughters, Brigitte and her younger sister, Mijanou.

A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you,” the late Brigitte Bardot once said. The star passed away in December 2025, but many moments of her life have been immortalised forever.

Brigitte Bardot was remarkable because in almost everything she did, she served up a cheeky wink on the side. The playful nature of this gingham dress and pigtails is anything but Dorothy-from-Kansas thanks to the lashings of eyeliner and wry glance.

Brigitte Bardot, whose image defined an era of cinema and style, has died at 91, leaving behind a legacy captured in some of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century.View on euronews

Actor, singer, sex symbol and style icon Brigitte Bardot, known for 'And God Created Women' and 'Contempt,' died Dec. 28.

Following the death of Brigitte Bardot, we revisit her most iconic fashion moments, from the bikini to the Bardot neckline.

From silver-screen stardom to personal turmoil, Brigitte Bardot's life was every bit as dramatic as her legendary films.