Brigitte Bardot, the doe-eyed French beauty, continues to inspire with her bouffant hair and sun-kissed skin. Arriving on screen in the 1950s, she swiftly rose to fame and became a defining sex symbol of the mid-20th century. Her pillowy lips, voluminous blonde mane with stellar curtain bangs, and arresting wide-eyed stare, combined with her chic Riviera wardrobe, made her an icon.
Now an animal rights activist at 89, Bardot has said, “I gave my beauty and my youth to men [and] I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals.” Her sage advice for one’s older years is truly inspiring.
#1. Breakthrough Role in “And God Created Woman” (1956)
In 1956, Brigitte Bardot starred in “And God Created Woman,” which was directed by Roger Vadim. This film was a breakthrough for Bardot, making her an international star and sex symbol.
#2. Critically Acclaimed Performance in “La Vérité” (1960)
In 1960, Brigitte Bardot appeared in the film “La Vérité” (The Truth), directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. Her performance was critically acclaimed, and she was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress.
#3. Iconic Role in “Contempt” (1963)
In 1963, Bardot starred in “Contempt” (Le Mépris), a film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Her role in this film further solidified her status as an icon of French cinema.
#4. Dramatic Role in “Love Is My Profession” (1958)
In 1958, Brigitte Bardot starred in “Love Is My Profession” (En cas de malheur) alongside Jean Gabin. The film was based on the novel by Georges Simenon and featured Bardot in a dramatic role.
#5. Glamorous Role in “Two Weeks in September” (1967)
In 1967, Bardot starred in “Two Weeks in September,” a romantic drama that showcased her as a glamorous actress caught between two lovers.
#6. Comedy-Adventure in “Viva Maria!” (1966)
In 1966, Brigitte Bardot appeared in “Viva Maria!” alongside Jeanne Moreau. The film, directed by Louis Malle, was a comedy-adventure set in revolutionary Mexico.
#7. Fashion and Beauty Icon of the 1960s
During the 1960s, Brigitte Bardot was one of the most photographed women in the world and became a fashion and beauty icon. Her distinctive style, including her signature beehive hairstyle, was widely imitated.
#8. Advocacy for Animal Rights Begins
In the 1960s, Bardot began to express her passion for animal rights, which would later become a central focus of her life after retiring from acting.
#9. Music Album “Brigitte Bardot Sings” (1965)
In 1965, Bardot released a music album titled “Brigitte Bardot Sings,” showcasing her vocal talent. One of her famous songs from this period was “Harley Davidson.”
#10. “A Very Private Affair” (1962)
In 1962, Bardot starred in the film “A Very Private Affair” (Vie privée), directed by Louis Malle. The film is loosely based on Bardot’s own life and the public’s obsession with her.
#11. Meeting Pablo Picasso (Late 1950s)
During the late 1950s, Brigitte Bardot met and was photographed with Pablo Picasso. Their meeting symbolized the intersection of modern art and popular culture.
#12. Feminist Undertones in “Viva Maria!” (1965)
In 1965, Bardot starred in “Viva Maria!” alongside Jeanne Moreau, a film that was notable for its feminist undertones and the portrayal of strong female characters.
#13. Marriage to Jacques Charrier (1960)
In 1960, Bardot was married to actor Jacques Charrier, with whom she had her only child, a son named Nicolas-Jacques Charrier. The couple divorced in 1962.
#14. Film Debut in “Le Trou Normand” (1952)
In 1952, Bardot made her film debut in “Le Trou Normand,” also known as “Crazy for Love.” Although it was a minor role, it marked the beginning of her cinematic career.
#15. Modeling Career Launch (1950)
In 1950, Bardot, then a teenager, was featured on the cover of the French magazine Elle, which helped launch her modeling career and introduced her to the entertainment industry.
#16. Italian Film “The Vixen” (1963)
In 1963, Bardot starred in the Italian film “The Vixen” (La Femme et le Pantin), based on the novel by Pierre Louÿs. The film showcased her allure and established her in international cinema.
#17. Symbol of Sexual Liberation (1960s)
Throughout the 1960s, Bardot became a symbol of sexual liberation, aligning with the cultural shifts of the era. She often played roles that embodied the free-spirited and liberated woman.
#18. Controversial Duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus” (1966)
In 1966, Bardot released the song “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” a duet with Serge Gainsbourg. The song was controversial for its erotic content and was initially banned in several countries.
#19. Fashion Influence in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Bardot’s distinctive style influenced fashion worldwide. She popularized the bikini, ballet flats, and Bardot neckline, which became fashion staples.
#20. Iconic Film “Le Mépris” (1963)
In 1963, Bardot was photographed on the set of “Le Mépris,” often cited as one of her most iconic films. The film was a collaboration with acclaimed director Jean-Luc Godard.
#21. Cultural Phenomenon in the 1960s
In 1960, Bardot was at the height of her career, appearing in multiple films and becoming a cultural phenomenon in both Europe and the United States. Her image was synonymous with beauty and sensuality.
