Brigitte Bardot, French actress dubbed the original ‘sex kitten,’ dead at 91

Brigitte Bardot, nan French character who was named nan original “sex kitten,” has died, according to her foundation. She was 91.

“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces pinch immense sadness nan decease of its laminitis and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned character and singer, who chose to wantonness her prestigious profession to dedicate her life and power to animal use and her foundation,” nan foundation, which fights to protect animals, announced connected its website Sunday.

“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation wishes to grant nan representation of an exceptional female who gave everything for a world much respectful of animals,” it added.

“We widen our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, nan municipality of Saint-Tropez and its residents, and each those who stock this cause. The Foundation will continue, much than ever, to champion nan activity of Brigitte Bardot.”

The foundation’s Bruno Jacquelin told nan Associated Press that Bardot had been hospitalized past period and that she passed distant successful her location successful Southern France. No ceremonial aliases memorial work arrangements person been made.

Bardot’s origin of decease was not disclosed.

French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to stock a rubbing tribute to Bardot.

“Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her look that became Marianne, Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom,” Macron tweeted Sunday.

“French existence, cosmopolitan brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a fable of nan century,” he added.

Bardot was launched arsenic an world activity awesome successful 1956 erstwhile she starred as a sexualized teen bride successful nan movie “And God Created Woman.”

The film, which was directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim, featured scenes of Bardot dancing connected tables naked, marking a groundbreaking portrayal of female sexuality during a blimpish time.

After starring successful astir 30 films, Bardot retired from acting successful 1973.

A decade later, she reemerged arsenic an animal authorities lobbyist and started her animal authorities instauration aft trading movie memorabilia and jewelry.

Bardot is survived by her 4th husband, Bernard d’Ormale, her estranged son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, and her sister.