Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress and fashion muse, is still a name synonymous with glamour, sensuality, and rebellion, even at 90. Known for her bold, free-spirited image and her role in transforming the way women were portrayed on screen, Bardot’s life is a captivating tale filled with triumph, heartache, and a deep commitment to animal rights. From her rise as a cinematic icon to her later years as a passionate advocate for animals, Bardot’s journey has been anything but conventional.

Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Bardot’s childhood was far from the carefree image often associated with wealth and privilege. Raised in an affluent but emotionally distant family, she faced strict expectations from her mother, a costume designer, and her father, a stern engineer. Her formative years were marked by emotional repression and intense pressure to conform to societal norms, a contrast to the public persona she would later create. Her early experiences with ballet, however, provided her a refuge, offering both an escape from her controlled life and an outlet for her creativity.

Bardot’s entrance into the entertainment world was not immediate. At the age of 15, she was discovered for her beauty and began gracing the covers of fashion magazines. By 18, she had made her acting debut, quickly catching the attention of French director Roger Vadim, who would become both her husband and the catalyst for her rise to stardom. Her role in And God Created Woman (1956) marked her breakthrough, propelling her to international fame. The film was provocative for its time, showcasing Bardot’s sensuality and defying the traditional roles women were expected to play in cinema.

Bardot’s allure was undeniable, and she quickly became a symbol of the liberated woman, embodying sexual freedom and independence at a time when these ideas were controversial. However, this same fame came with its challenges. Bardot faced immense public scrutiny, both for her personal life and the roles she played. Her marriages, particularly to Vadim and later to actor Jacques Charrier, were marked by public scandal and personal turmoil. Despite the adoration from fans, Bardot’s life was far from the glamorous existence it seemed to be. She struggled with the pressures of fame, especially when her roles as a sex symbol began to overshadow her acting abilities.

In 1973, Bardot made the bold decision to retire from acting at the height of her career, citing the overwhelming pressures of fame and a desire for personal freedom. This was a shocking move for many, as Bardot had become one of the most recognized faces in the world. But Bardot was not content to rest on her laurels. Instead, she turned her attention to animal rights, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. The foundation, which operates in over 40 countries, works to protect animals from cruelty, and Bardot herself has been an outspoken advocate for various causes, including opposing animal cruelty in the fashion industry and the use of animals in research.

Despite her success in this new chapter of her life, Bardot has remained a polarizing figure, with her outspoken views on immigration and Islam attracting criticism and legal challenges. Her controversial statements have led to multiple convictions for inciting hatred, yet she continues to stand by her beliefs. Bardot’s passion for protecting animals has, however, remained unwavering, and her work in this field has left a lasting legacy that extends beyond her career in film.

Now at 90, Brigitte Bardot lives a more private life, away from the media spotlight. She resides in her villa in Saint-Tropez with her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, and enjoys a quiet life surrounded by nature. However, her legacy continues to inspire both fashion and film, as her influence on global culture remains palpable. Bardot’s boldness, beauty, and commitment to her beliefs have ensured her place as one of the most iconic figures in both French cinema and the global animal rights movement.

As she embraces her later years, Bardot’s life serves as a testament to the power of personal freedom, resilience, and the ability to reinvent oneself. Whether as a groundbreaking actress or a passionate advocate, Brigitte Bardot’s story is one of defying expectations and living authentically, regardless of the consequences. Her journey is a reminder that behind every iconic figure lies a complex and multifaceted individual, whose impact extends far beyond what the public sees on screen.