A captivating enigma, a symbol of sensuality, and a beacon of liberation - Brigitte Bardot
was all this and more.
Her life, a mesmerizing tapestry of passion, fame, and controversy, has been the subject
of countless discussions and speculations.
Her life, now at the age of 88, unfolds a far more intricate and captivating story than
the tabloids of her prime could ever capture.
Bardot was not just a subject of countless headlines or the object of millions' dreams;
she was a lover to many and a woman who left it all behind for a cause that held her heart
captive.
This is the tale of an extraordinary woman who thrived under the spotlight, loved with
passion, and ultimately walked away to embrace a cause that ignited her soul.
Join us as we retell the story of Brigitte Bardot.
The Rise to Stardom
Born on September 28, 1934, in the heart of Paris, France, Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot
was a star in the making from the very beginning.
Bardot, the only child of Louis Bardot, an industrialist, and Anne-Marie Mucel, an aspiring
ballet dancer, was introduced to the world of arts at a tender age.
Her mother's unfulfilled dreams of becoming a dancer found a new lease of life in young
Bardot, who was enrolled in ballet classes when she was just seven years old.
Bardot's entry into the world of acting was as fortunate as it was unexpected.
At the age of 15, she appeared on the cover of "Elle" magazine, a popular French fashion
publication.
Her stunning beauty caught the eye of film director Marc Allégret, who offered her a
role in one of his upcoming films.
Although the film was never made, Allégret's assistant, Roger Vadim, was captivated by
Bardot's charm and potential.
Vadim would later become Bardot's first husband and the catalyst for her rise to stardom.
In 1956, Bardot's career took a monumental leap with the film "And God Created Woman."
Directed by Vadim, the film was a bold exploration of female sexuality and independence, themes
that were considered taboo in the conservative 1950s.
Bardot's portrayal of Juliette, an uninhibited and free-spirited woman, was a stark contrast
to the demure and submissive roles that were typically assigned to actresses of that era.
Her performance was both provocative and compelling, earning her international acclaim and establishing
her as a sex symbol.
Bardot's influence, however, was not confined to the realm of cinema.
Her unique style and fashion sense became a cultural phenomenon.
She popularized the bikini, a garment that was considered risqué at the time, and turned
it into a symbol of female liberation.
Her signature look, characterized by wide headbands, barefoot elegance, and tousled
hair, became a fashion statement, inspiring women around the world.
Over the next decade, Bardot's star continued to rise.
She starred in numerous successful films, working with some of the most renowned directors
and actors of the time.
Her performances were lauded, her beauty was celebrated, and her influence was undeniable.
She was the epitome of beauty and glamour, a screen goddess who had the world at her
feet.
Yet, beneath the glittering facade, Bardot was a woman grappling with the pressures of
fame and a tumultuous personal life.
The world saw her as a symbol of beauty and sensuality, but behind the camera, she was
a woman in search of meaning and purpose.
This search would eventually lead her away from the glitz and glamour of stardom to a
life dedicated to a cause far removed from the world of cinema.
Lovers and Marriages
Brigitte Bardot's personal life was as captivating as her on-screen performances.
Her romantic liaisons were the subject of much speculation and media attention, adding
to her image as a liberated woman who defied societal norms.
Bardot's first marriage was to Roger Vadim, the man who played a pivotal role in her rise
to stardom.
They were married in 1952 when Bardot was just 18 and Vadim was 26.
Their marriage was marked by a shared passion for cinema and a mutual understanding of each
other's creative pursuits.
However, their relationship was strained by Bardot's rising fame and Vadim's alleged infidelities.
They divorced in 1957, but remained close friends and collaborators.
Bardot's second marriage was to actor Jacques Charrier.
The marriage was a tumultuous one, marked by public disputes and private disagreements.
Bardot and Charrier had a son, Nicolas, in 1960.
Bardot's relationship with her son was strained, and she admitted in her memoirs that she was
not cut out for motherhood.
Her marriage to Charrier ended in 1962.
Her third marriage was to German millionaire playboy Gunter Sachs.
Their whirlwind romance was the talk of the town, with Sachs famously showering Bardot
with roses dropped from a helicopter.
However, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce after three years.
Bardot's fourth and current husband is Bernard d'Ormale, a former advisor to the French far-right
politician Jean-Marie Le Pen.
They have been married since 1992 and live a reclusive life in Saint-Tropez.
In addition to her marriages, Bardot had numerous lovers, both men and women, contributing to
her image as a free-spirited and sexually liberated woman.
She was linked to many famous personalities, including musicians Serge Gainsbourg and Sacha
Distel, and actor Sami Frey.
Her relationship with Gainsbourg was particularly notable, leading to a fruitful collaboration
in music.
Their song "Je t'aime...
moi non plus" became a controversial hit due to its explicit sexual content.
Her relationships were passionate and intense, reflecting Bardot's own zest for life and
love.
Her Turning Point
In the midst of her thriving career and tumultuous personal life, a seemingly insignificant event
served as the turning point for Bardot.
It was an encounter with a little goat during a film shoot in Périgord, France.
The woman who owned the goat intended to roast it for a celebration.
Bardot, an animal lover since childhood, was moved by the creature's plight and bought
it on the spot.
This incident sparked a profound change in Bardot, leading her to question her life's
direction.
Bardot was at the height of her career, a global icon adored by millions.
Yet, she was growing weary of the relentless pace of her life, the constant scrutiny, and
the hollowness of fame.
She began to question the purpose of her existence in the limelight.
"Was that how I was going to grow old in the cinema?"
she asked herself.
The encounter with the little goat came at this crossroads in her life, serving as a
catalyst for her decision to leave her acting career behind.
In 1973, at the age of 39 and at the peak of her fame, Bardot announced her retirement
from acting.
She chose to step away from the glamour and glitz of stardom, a decision that shocked
her fans and the film industry.
But for Bardot, it was a step towards a life she yearned for, a life dedicated to a cause
she deeply cared about - animal rights.
This turning point marked the beginning of Bardot's transformation from a screen goddess
to a dedicated animal rights activist.
It was a bold and unconventional decision, reflecting Bardot's courage and determination
to follow her heart, even if it meant leaving behind a successful career and a life of fame.
Becoming an Animal Rights Activist
With her decision to retire from acting, Bardot embarked on a new journey, one that was far
removed from the glamour and glitz of Hollywood and yet, was deeply fulfilling for her.
She turned her attention and international clout towards animal rights, a cause she had
been passionate about since her childhood.
In 1986, Bardot established the "Fondation Brigitte Bardot" to protect wild and domestic
animals in France and abroad.
The foundation works towards the welfare of animals, advocating for animal rights, and
raising awareness about animal cruelty.
Bardot's dedication to the cause was unwavering.
She threw herself heart and soul into her work, despite not having any prior experience
in animal welfare.
Bardot's work as an animal rights activist has been extensive and impactful.
Her foundation has financed the construction of a wild animal hospital in Chile, a park
to care for mistreated bears in Bulgaria, and sanctuaries for koalas in Australia, elephants
in Thailand, and horses in Tunisia.
Bardot's efforts have not only helped protect and conserve numerous animal species but have
also raised global awareness about animal cruelty.
Despite her dedication to animal rights, Bardot's activism has not been without controversy.
Her outspoken views on animal welfare have often clashed with cultural practices and
religious beliefs, leading to legal repercussions.
However, these controversies have not deterred Bardot from her mission.
She remains steadfast in her commitment to animal rights, using her voice and influence
to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Today, Bardot lives a reclusive life in Saint-Tropez, far from the limelight she once basked in.
Yet, her impact as an animal rights activist continues to resonate around the world.
The Controversies
While Brigitte Bardot's life and career have been marked by numerous achievements and contributions,
they have not been without controversy.
Her outspoken nature and strong views have often landed her in the midst of public and
legal disputes.
One of the most notable controversies surrounding Bardot has been her public statements on race
and religion.
Bardot has been convicted multiple times for "inciting racial hatred" due to her comments
about the Muslim community in France.
She has been fined on several occasions, including a notable instance in 2008 when she was fined
€15,000 for her comments about the Muslim community's treatment of animals.
Bardot's views on immigration and her support for the French far-right political party,
the National Front, have also been a source of controversy.
Her fourth husband, Bernard d'Ormale, is a former advisor to Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder
of the National Front, further fueling public criticism.
Bardot's relationship with her son, Nicolas Charrier, has also been a subject of public
scrutiny.
Bardot admitted in her memoirs that she was not cut out for motherhood and had minimal
contact with her son, which drew criticism from the public and media.
Despite these controversies, Bardot has remained unapologetic about her views.
She continues to live her life on her own terms, unafraid to voice her opinions and
stand up for what she believes in.
While her views have often been divisive, they have also sparked important conversations
about freedom of speech, cultural sensitivity, and animal rights.
There you have it.
It's now time to hear from you.
Let us know what your thought are about Bardot's meteoric rise to fame and her subsequent decision
to step away from the spotlight for a life of seclusion and dedication to a cause.