Biography of Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot, France's beloved icon and the ultimate sex symbol of the late 20th century, is a legendary actress and model who walked away from stardom at her peak to dedicate her life to animal rescue and protection. Brigitte introduced women to "beehive" hairstyles and popularized the bikini. She transformed the sleepy towns of Cannes and Saint-Tropez into glamorous destinations for the jet set, and her signature thick black eyeliner remains a staple of evening makeup.
Childhood and Teenage Years
The future screen icon was born into a wealthy, respectable Parisian bourgeois family. Her father, Louis Bardot, trained as an engineer, founded a small family business producing acetylene and compressed air that provided steady income. In his free time, he pursued poetry and photography, publishing several poetry collections—one earning a prestigious award from the French Academy of Words.







Brigitte started skipping school, her father found out, and decided to send her to study in England. When begging and pleading didn't work, Bardot waited until no one was home and tried to kill herself with gas from the kitchen stove. Luckily, she was rescued in time, and after this shocking incident, her parents finally agreed to let her see Roger – but only if he got "a respectable, steady job."

Acting Career
After returning to Paris, Bardot had another successful photoshoot for ELLE. The press started talking about her, and she received more acting offers. Her father reluctantly turned to his friend Maurice Vernan to manage her career. Vernan found her a small role in Jean Boyer's comedy "Crazy for Love" (1952), marking her film debut. On set, the inexperienced actress struggled with nerves and felt disappointed in her performance. She nearly quit acting altogether, but Vadim convinced her to try again.




Bardot herself never expected such a buzz – she never saw herself as an outstanding actress or ideal beauty. The comparison to Marilyn Monroe flattered her – she always admired this remarkable woman and considered her the epitome of female beauty and sensuality.



Public Activity
Bardot considers saving and protecting animals her life's main mission. She walked away from the film industry at 39, at the height of her fame, for this humane cause. In 1962, the actress publicly condemned the cruel slaughter methods used in slaughterhouses and within a few years, successfully pushed for butchers to be required to use special electric shock pistols.

Brigitte holds conservative views and has twice backed Marine Le Pen (leader of the Front National party) in presidential elections. She's been fined several times (most recently in 2022 for 40,000 euros) for inciting racial hatred through offensive comments about Muslims and migrants.
Feminists don't like her because in 2018, Brigitte criticized the #MeToo movement, claiming young actresses were to blame for what happened because "they tease producers to get a role."
Personal Life of Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot married Roger Vadim in 1952, right after turning eighteen. Vadim changed his religion from Orthodox to Catholic for the woman he loved.











Brigitte Bardot Now
Since the late 1950s, Bardot has lived in a Saint-Tropez villa, helping transform the area from a quiet fishing village into an elite resort. The actress leads a secluded life, dedicating all her time to the roughly two hundred animals at her villa. Brigitte viewed the enforced isolation and quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic as a blessing. She enjoys the peace and quiet, free from the tourist crowds that annually flood Saint-Tropez's beaches and scenic surroundings.
