Photo: EPA
French actress, singer and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91, prompting reactions across France’s political spectrum, The Guardian reported. During her lifetime, Bardot was also known for her outspoken views on French politics.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute on social media, describing Bardot as “the embodiment of a life of freedom” and of “universal radiance,” adding that France was mourning “a legend of the century.”
Far-right figures also responded to her death. Jordan Bardella, leader of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party, wrote that Bardot was “a woman of heart, conviction and character.” Calling her a passionate patriot and a lifelong defender of animals, he said she embodied an entire era of France and, above all, “a certain idea of courage and freedom.”
Marine Le Pen herself said Bardot was “exceptional for her talent, courage, frankness and beauty,” describing her as “profoundly French.” Bardot had previously expressed admiration for Le Pen, once referring to her as “the Joan of Arc of the 21st century.”
Bardot rose to global fame in 1956 with her role in And God Created Woman, which cemented her image as an international icon and sex symbol. She became a muse for artists and intellectuals of her time; members of The Beatles, including John Lennon and Paul McCartney, reportedly urged their partners to dye their hair blonde to resemble her. In 1969, Bardot was chosen as the first living model for Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic.
In the early 1970s, she retired from acting and devoted herself to animal rights activism, remaining a prominent public figure for decades. At the same time, she became increasingly vocal in political debates. French courts fined her six times over comments targeting ethnic minorities, immigration, Islam and homosexuality. On one occasion, she described Muslims as “a population that is destroying us, destroying our country by imposing its rules.”
In 1996, Bardot said she fully shared the views of Jean-Marie Le Pen, then leader of the National Front, on what she called a “terrifying surge in immigration.”
Earlier, it was also reported that American actor and comedian Pat Finn died at the age of 60. He was known for roles in the television series Friends, Seinfeld and The Middle.
