Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became a global icon of sexual liberation in the 1950s and later dedicated her life to animal rights, died at the age of 91. Her death was announced Sunday by her foundation, according to Fortune, which stated that Bardot had chosen to abandon her successful movie career to defend animal welfare.
Bardot revolutionized cinema and set a new standard for female sex symbols, particularly with her role in "And God Created Woman" (1956), where she played a self-assured small-town sexpot, according to Fortune. Her archetype of beauty influenced a generation of actresses. Throughout the 1970s, she served as the model for Marianne, the female symbol of the French republic, whose profile is featured on stamps and coins, Fortune reported.
While celebrated for her contributions to film and her later activism, Bardot's legacy is also marked by controversy, according to BBC World. The BBC reported that she faced criticism for homophobic and racially insensitive remarks, reflecting complex social issues in France and beyond.
Bardot quit making movies at age 39, Fortune noted. Her death prompts reflection on her impact on global cinema and evolving cultural values, according to BBC World. Further details regarding the circumstances of her death were not immediately available.
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