‘A legend of the century’, ‘incredibly French’: tributes paid to Brigitte Bardot
The former actress and animal rights activist died on December 28 at the age of 91
President Emmanuel Macron led official reactions, hailing Ms Bardot’s “universal radiance” and describing her as “a legend of the century”.
Keystone Press / Alamy / X
Tributes from across politics, culture and animal welfare flooded in on Sunday following the death of Brigitte Bardot, the former actress whose international fame, activism and political affiliations made her one of France’s most recognisable and divisive public figures.
Presidential and ministerial tributes
President Emmanuel Macron led official reactions, hailing Ms Bardot’s “universal radiance” and describing her as “a legend of the century”.
In a message posted on X, he praised her film work, her “generous passion for animals” and her face “turned into Marianne”, a reference to her status as the first public figure to inspire a bust of the French republic’s emblem.
Culture minister Rachida Dati described Ms Bardot as “an icon among icons”, crediting her with shaping the collective imagination while refusing to be confined by it. Aurore Bergé, minister for gender equality, called her “a Marianne, an insolent beauty and a figure of total freedom”.
Former prime minister Gabriel Attal said Ms Bardot had embodied “a face of France that made the world dream”.
Animal welfare reactions
Animal protection groups placed particular emphasis on Ms Bardot’s post-cinema life.
The founder of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk, described her as “an angel for animals”, citing her lifelong efforts to rescue and protect animals, from birds in Saint-Tropez to the dogs she kept at her home, La Madrague.
She stressed that Ms Bardot fought for animals “even before the courts”, helping to force animal welfare into public debate.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which announced her death, said it would continue her work “more than ever”, describing her commitment as absolute and unrelenting.
Political divides
The reactions also reflect the political tensions surrounding Ms Bardot, who in later life courted the far right.
Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement national, paid tribute to an “ardent patriot”, echoing Ms Bardot’s long-declared support for Marine Le Pen.
Marine Le Pen herself described Ms Bardot as “incredibly French: free, indomitable and uncompromising”, praising her decision to abandon cinema at the height of her fame to devote herself to animals.
