Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress who became an international sex symbol in the 1950s and 60s before dedicating her life to animal rights, has died at the age of 91. Known for her role in the controversial and defining film "And God Created Woman" (1956), Bardot embodied a new era of liberated female sexuality that captivated audiences worldwide. Her tousled blonde hair, pouty expression, and effortless style made her one of the most photographed women of the 20th century.

Retiring from the screen abruptly in 1973 at the height of her fame, Bardot shifted her focus entirely to animal welfare, establishing the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. She became a fierce and often outspoken advocate for the protection of animals, campaigning against seal hunting, bullfighting, and the horse meat trade. Her activism was marked by the same intensity and passion that characterized her film career, earning her both admiration and criticism.

Bardot spent her later years in seclusion at her home, La Madrague, in Saint-Tropez, surrounded by the animals she loved. Despite health issues in her final months, she remained a vocal figure in French culture until the end. She leaves behind a complex legacy as both a cinematic icon who redefined femininity and a tireless crusader for the voiceless.",