The French Riviera will soon host a final farewell to one of the 20th century's most iconic figures. The funeral for Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress, sex symbol, and fervent animal rights activist, is scheduled for next week in the glamorous resort town of Saint-Tropez. Bardot passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a complex legacy that spanned cinema, activism, and controversy.
A Life of Stardom and Activism
Brigitte Bardot, who rose to global fame in the 1960s as a definitive screen siren, died on December 28, 2025. Her passing was marked by public mourning, with fans placing tributes near her home in Saint-Tropez. A poignant image captured by The Associated Press shows a woman touching a poster of the late star, reflecting the deep connection many felt with the actress.
Bardot's career transformed her into an international symbol of beauty and liberated sexuality. However, her life took a significant turn in the 1970s when she retired from acting and dedicated herself entirely to animal rights advocacy. Her later years were also marked by her support for far-right political causes in France, which often drew as much attention as her cinematic and charitable work.
Final Arrangements on the French Riviera
The choice of Saint-Tropez for the funeral is deeply symbolic. The town on the Mediterranean coast was not only her long-time residence but also emblematic of the jet-set lifestyle she was associated with during her film career. The service, set for the coming week, is expected to draw family, friends, former colleagues, and admirers from around the world, though details remain private.
Her death at 91 closes a chapter on a life that was both wildly celebrated and frequently scrutinized. Bardot remained a formidable and often outspoken public figure long after she left the silver screen, using her fame to lobby aggressively for animal welfare legislation in France and abroad.
A Lasting and Multifaceted Legacy
Brigitte Bardot's legacy is a tapestry of contrasting threads. She is remembered first and foremost as a cinematic icon who helped define an era. Simultaneously, she is recognized as a militant activist whose foundation has saved countless animals. Her political alignments, however, ensured her status remained complex and sometimes divisive.
As Saint-Tropez prepares to say goodbye, the world reflects on the journey of a woman who lived entirely on her own terms—from the dizzying heights of Hollywood-adjacent fame to the passionate, uncompromising battles of her later years. Her funeral will not just memorialize a star, but a singular force of nature whose influence extended far beyond the film set.
