Brigitte Bardot was a cultural force who reshaped ideas of beauty, freedom and rebellion in post-war France. Her life unfolded across cinema, controversy, activism and self-imposed isolation, leaving behind a legacy that remains both celebrated and contested.
Who was Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was a French actress, singer and later an outspoken animal rights activist. Rising to global fame in the 1950s and 60s, she became one of Europe’s first international sex symbols and a defining face of French cinema.
Brigitte Bardot Age
Born on September 28, 1934, Bardot lived to the age of 91. Her long life spanned eras of dramatic cultural change, many of which she influenced directly through her work and public persona.
Brigitte Bardot Education
Bardot was not academically inclined and raised in a strict Parisian household, she trained primarily in classical ballet as a child. Formal education played a limited role in her life, as her career began unusually early.
Brigitte Bardot Career
Her breakthrough came with And God Created Woman, a film that challenged social norms and redefined female autonomy on screen. Bardot went on to star in dozens of films working with major directors before walking away from cinema entirely in 1973 at the height of her fame.
Brigitte Bardot Books Published
- Noonoah: Le petit phoque blanc
- Initiales B.B.
- Le Carré de Pluton
- Un cri dans le silence
- Pourquoi?
Brigitte Bardot Relationship & Husband’s
Bardot married four times and lived a famously intense romantic life.
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Roger Vadim (Married 1952–1957) Married at 18 to filmmaker Roger Vadim, who played a key role in launching her career. The marriage ended after her rising fame and personal differences.
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Jean-Louis Trintignant (Relationship) Entered a highly publicised relationship with actor Jean-Louis Trintignant during the mid-1950s. They lived together for nearly two years but never married.
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Jacques Charrier (Married 1959–1962) Married actor Jacques Charrier following a turbulent period in her life. The couple had one son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier. The marriage ended in divorce.
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Gunter Sachs (Married 1966–1969) Married German businessman and socialite Gunter Sachs. Their glamorous relationship attracted global attention but was short-lived.
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Bernard d’Ormale (Married 1992–2025) Her fourth and final marriage. Bardot remained married to politician Bernard d’Ormale until her death, making it her longest-lasting union.
Brigitte Bardot Net Worth
At the time of her death, Bardot’s wealth was estimated between $65 million and $100 million. Her fortune came from film earnings, book sales and valuable properties, most notably her Saint-Tropez home, La Madrague.
Brigitte Bardot Politics & Legal Issues
In later life, Bardot became a polarizing figure due to repeated legal convictions over remarks deemed discriminatory. While she defended her statements as personal opinion, French courts fined her multiple times for inciting racial hatred.
Brigitte Bardot Awards & Honours
| Year | Award / Honour | Category / Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Victoires du Cinéma Français | Best Actress (And God Created Woman) | Won |
| 1958 | Bambi Awards | Best Actress (And God Created Woman) | Nominated |
| 1959 | Victoires du Cinéma Français | Best Actress (In Case of Adversity) | Won |
| 1960 | Brussels European Awards | Best Actress (The Truth) | Won |
| 1961 | David di Donatello Awards | Best Foreign Actress (The Truth) | Won |
| 1966 | Étoiles de Cristal | Best Actress (Viva Maria!) | Won |
| 1967 | Bambi Awards | Award of Popularity | Won |
| 1967 | BAFTA Awards | Best Foreign Actress (Viva Maria!) | Nominated |
| 1980 | Medal of the City of Trieste | Civic honour | Awarded |
| 1985 | Legion of Honour | France’s national honour | Awarded |
| 1985 | Medal of the City of Lille | Civic honour | Awarded |
| 1989 | Peace Prize in Humanitarian Merit | Humanitarian contribution | Awarded |
| 1992 | UNEP Global 500 Roll of Honour | Environmental advocacy | Inducted |
| 1992 | Genesis Awards | Creation of Brigitte Bardot International Award | Honoured |
| 1994 | Medal of the City of Paris | Civic honour | Awarded |
| 1995 | Medal of the City of Saint-Tropez | Civic honour | Awarded |
| 1996 | Medal of the City of La Baule | Civic honour | Awarded |
| 1997 | UNESCO Ecology Award (Greece) | Environmental work | Awarded |
| 1997 | Medal of the City of Athens | Civic honour | Awarded |
| 1999 | Asteroid 17062 Bardot | Named in her honour | Recognised |
| 2001 | PETA Humanitarian Award | Animal welfare activism | Awarded |
| 2008 | Altarriba Foundation Award (Spain) | Animal rights advocacy | Awarded |
| 2017 | Saint-Tropez Statue | Monument erected in her honour | Honoured |
| 2019 | GAIA Lifetime Achievement Award | Animal rights contribution | Awarded |
| 2021 | Saint-Tropez Effigy Tribute | Gold-leaf ceremonial honour | Honoured |
Brigitte Bardot Cause of Death
Brigitte Bardot died peacefully at her residence in Saint-Tropez at the age of 91. Her foundation confirmed her passing, marking the end of a life lived defiantly on her own terms.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly reported information and reflects an interpretive summary of Brigitte Bardot’s life and legacy.
