French actress Brigitte Bardot, who revolutionised 1950s French cinema and became a symbol of sexual liberation, has died aged 91.
The cinema icon - BB as she was known in her home country - acted in almost 50 films, including And God Created Woman, but retired in 1973 to devote her life to animal welfare.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the nation was mourning a legend of the century, while the Brigitte Bardot Foundation remembered her as a world-renowned actress.
Later in life, Bardot's reputation was damaged after she made homophobic slurs and was fined multiple times for inciting racial hatred.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation she established said in a statement that it was announcing her death with immense sadness. The animal welfare organisation highlighted her commitment to animal rights following her retirement from acting.
Bardot was born in Paris in 1934 and quickly became a sensation after appearing on the cover of Elle magazine. Her role in And God Created Woman solidified her status in film, though it also scandalized American audiences.
As a fashion icon, Bardot's influence persists, with her famous hairstyle and the 'Bardot neckline' still inspiring trends today. However, her later life was marked by controversy due to her comments on various social issues, impacting her legacy.
Bardot’s passing prompted heartfelt tributes from numerous public figures, encapsulating her multifaceted life as both a beloved actress and a problematic cultural icon.
