Brigitte Bardot, French Screen Legend, Dies at 91

Brigitte Bardot, the French actor and singer who became an international sex symbol, has died aged 91. Bardot achieved international fame with the 1956 film And God Created Woman, written and directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. For two decades, she embodied the archetypal 'sex kitten' of cinema.

In the early 1970s, she retired from acting to focus on political activism. Her advocacy for animal rights later evolved into controversial political stances, including open support for France's far-right Front National and incendiary comments about ethnic minorities. These actions resulted in a string of convictions for racial hatred.

Brigitte Bardot became a celebrated sex symbol during the 1950s and 1960s. She shot to international fame with the 1956 film And God Created Woman. The film was written and directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim.

For the next two decades, Bardot embodied the idea of the archetypal 'sex kitten'. She established herself as a major figure in the entertainment industry during this period.

In the early 1970s, Bardot announced her retirement from acting. She turned her back on the film industry to become an animal rights activist. Her outspoken support for animal rights eventually evolved into a more controversial political stance.

She became increasingly active politically during this time. Her focus shifted away from entertainment toward advocacy work.

Bardot's political views drew significant attention and criticism. She made incendiary comments about ethnic minorities. She also expressed open support for France's far-right Front National.

These actions led to legal consequences. Bardot faced a string of convictions for racial hatred as a result of her public statements and political support.