Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became an international sex symbol 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 prestigious movie career to defend animal welfare.
Bardot rose to prominence in the 1950s, revolutionizing French cinema and becoming an international symbol of sexual liberation, according to BBC World. Her role as a self-assured small-town sexpot in "And God Created Woman" (1956) set the standard for a generation of actresses, Fortune reported. Throughout the 1970s, she served as the model for Marianne, the female incarnation of the French republic, whose profile adorns stamps and coins.
Bardot quit making movies at age 39, Fortune noted, choosing to dedicate her life to animal rights activism. Her foundation announced that she had devoted her "life and energy" to defending animal welfare.
While celebrated for her cinematic contributions and animal rights work, Bardot's legacy is also marked by controversy. BBC World reported that she faced criticism for homophobic remarks and convictions for inciting racial hatred, reflecting complex social issues in France. Her death marks the end of an era for French cinema and prompts reflection on her multifaceted impact on global culture, according to BBC World.
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