Brigitte Bardot, a prominent French actor and singer, has passed away at the age of 91. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced her death, highlighting her transition from a celebrated film career to a dedicated focus on animal welfare. Bardot gained international fame with the 1956 film 'And God Created Woman,' directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, and became a symbol of the 1950s and 60s sexual liberation.

After retiring from acting in the early 1970s, Bardot became increasingly involved in political activism, particularly in animal rights. She founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, which aimed to protect animal welfare. Throughout her activism, she expressed strong opinions on various social issues, including controversial views on immigration and ethnic minorities, which led to multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred.

Born in 1934 in Paris, Bardot was raised in a traditional Catholic family and pursued ballet at the Conservatoire de Paris. Her modeling career began at a young age, leading to her first film roles. Bardot's portrayal of liberated women resonated with audiences and intellectuals alike, influencing cultural figures such as John Lennon and Simone de Beauvoir.

Despite her success, Bardot found the pressures of fame overwhelming and chose to retire from acting at 39. Her later years were marked by her outspoken views on animal rights and her controversial political stances, including support for France's far-right National Rally party. Bardot's legacy is multifaceted, reflecting both her contributions to cinema and her polarizing political views.