Tantalizing Facts About French Screen Icon Brigitte Bardot
Those who lived through the 1950s and '60s will most likely remember iconic French celebrity Brigitte Bardot. Also known as "B.B.", she became famous for her work in acting, modeling and singing. Later in life, she decided to leave the entertainment industry behind to become an activist.
Her passing in late 2025 has sparked renewed interest in her legacy, one left tarnished by comments she made later in life.
Introducing Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born on September 28, 1934, in Paris, France, and raised in the city’s upscale 16th arrondissement, an area known for its wealth and traditional values. Her father was an industrial engineer who owned several factories, while her mother came from a well-to-do family as the daughter of an insurance company director.
She Overcame Adversity at a Young Age
While Bardot appeared effortlessly flawless on screen, her early life was far less perfect than many fans realize.
As a child, she suffered from amblyopia - commonly known as a “lazy eye” - which impaired her vision, particularly in her left eye.
She Found Solace in Dance During a Tumultuous Time
Growing up in Paris during World War II was difficult, and Bardot turned to ballet as an escape. Her talent earned her a place at the Conservatoire de Paris, training under renowned Russian choreographer Boris Knyazev.
Despite her privileged upbringing, Bardot was already restless and quietly looking for ways to rebel.
The Start of Her Modeling Career
After studying ballet, Bardot shifted her focus to modeling. By age 15, she was already working as a junior fashion model for Hélène Gordon-Lazareff at Le Jardin des Modes and Elle. That same year, she landed her first magazine cover - an early break that opened the door to her first acting roles.
The First of Many Movie Roles
After appearing on the cover of Elle in 1952, Bardot received her first movie offer, landing a small role in the comedy Crazy for Love. She was paid just over $5,000 for the part, but the exposure quickly led to a flood of new acting opportunities.
Meeting Roger Vadim Changed Everything
At 18, Bardot met French director, screenwriter and producer Roger Vadim. They quickly fell in love, but her parents strongly opposed the relationship. In an effort to stop it, her father even bought her a train ticket to leave the country! Bardot flatly refused. She and Vadim married soon after.
A Short, But Passionate Marriage
Bardot and Vadim were married on December 20, 1952, at a Paris church. While their union was extremely passionate, it didn't last long. The pair divorced in 1957 and didn't have children together. However, they remained in touch and would work together later in life.
Expanding Her Résumé
Between 1952 and '55, Bardot slowly worked her way into the film industry, appearing in a string of small roles, often in light romantic comedies.
Her true breakthrough came in the late 1950s and early '60s, when she began landing leading roles that transformed her into an international star. Audiences came to know her through films like Naughty Girl, Plucking the Daisy, The Bride Is Much Too Beautiful and the career-defining And God Created Woman, which cemented her status as a global sex symbol.
Bardot Created a New Film Archetype
Not only was Bardot becoming one of the most famous actresses in the entertainment industry, there was something else getting people's attention.
Critics claim that Bardot created the "enchantress" archetype in movies during this time period after being known for her sultry demeanor. While this made her popular, Bardot would later regret it.
Going to the Oscars
After years of romantic comedies, Bardot was eager to escape conventional roles. She found that opportunity in the courtroom drama, The Truth, one of her most iconic performances.
The movie was a worldwide success, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, and brought Bardot critical recognition, including a David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Actress.
A Second Husband Enters the Picture
While Bardot dated many men after her divorce with Vadim, her next marriage would be with French actor Jacques Charrier. She became pregnant with their son, Nicolas-Jacques, before they were married. This would be her only child.
The couple's union lasted for about three years, until Bardot fell for another man.
She Rarely Saw Her Son
After having a son with her second husband in early 1960, Bardot never really felt a connection to motherhood. She divorced her son's father when he was only two, and he was raised by his father's side of the family.
Bardot and her son didn't really see each other during his childhood and only reconnected when he was an adult.
Another Husband Comes Her Way
Bardot was smitten with German millionaire Gunter Sachs and the two were married on July 14, 1966. One of the most romantic things Sachs did for her was having a helicopter spread thousands of rose petals around her St. Tropez home.
However, the two separated a couple years into their marriage and were officially divorced in 1969.
The Paparazzi Hounded Her
It didn't take long for Bardot to start receiving massive media attention for her modeling and film work. She was constantly surrounded by paparazzi everywhere she went. While some celebrities can't stand having cameras shoved in their face, Bardot simply blocked them out of her mind. There were other things that were much more important.
Coming to America
All of Bardot's success in foreign films led to her accepting some roles in Hollywood. Her first American role was a small part in 1965's Dear Brigitte. While her name was in the title and the plot was about a boy who had a crush on her, she only made a brief cameo.
Bardot Wasn't a True Blonde
When fans think of Bardot in her prime, they often picture a blonde bombshell. Most probably didn't realize that she was actually a natural brunette. She ditched her brunette locks for her role in Mio Figlio Nerone.
She Popularized the Beehive Hairstyle
Celebrities tend to be natural trendsetters and Bardot was able to make many fashion firsts throughout her career. She popularized a hairstyle called the Choucroute, which is more commonly known as a beehive. "Choucroute" actually translates to sauerkraut in French.
Bardot would wear her beehive hair in photoshoots, movies and public appearances.
She Didn't Just Perform on the Big Screen
Not only did Bardot become one of the most iconic actresses of the early 20th century, but she became a singer, as well. She performed in several musical shows and also released music. Some of her biggest hits included "Harley Davidson," "Bubble Gum" and several other songs in French.
The Beatles Loved Her
Bardot was a fan-favorite even among other celebrities. The Beatles simply adored her and were set on having her star in their musical film, A Hard Day's Night. While she wasn't able to do so, the Fab Four remained loyal fans - George Harrison even compared the starlet to his wife, Pattie Boyd.
A Model Pose Was Named After Her
Not only did Bardot make a huge impact on acting and music, but she was also an internationally known supermodel. She even created her own pose. The "Bardot pose" involves sitting with your arms and legs crossed while facing the camera. This was first seen in a 1960 photoshoot and has been copied by many models since.
She Was Particular About Her Clothing
Bardot always made sure to wear the most stylish clothes available, but there was one clothing item she particularly loved. She could often be seen wearing open-necked tops that ranged from blouses, dresses, sweaters or t-shirts. Almost no one was doing this during the 1950s and '60s because it was considered a bit too risqué.
A Ship Was Named After Her
Bardot made a huge impact throughout her career and she earned many important and honorable accolades. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society even decided to name a Canadian interceptor vessel after her.
The MV Brigitte Bardot was named not only to honor Bardot herself, but to condemn the practice of seal hunting.
Living in Saint-Tropez
Being a star would take a toll on anyone, so Bardot found a place to escape. In 1968, she purchased a property called the Madrague, in the French beach town of Saint-Tropez. She spent a lot of time there with her third husband. Saint-Tropez became Bardot's safe place and she'd often be there when she wasn't working.
Going Into Retirement
While many celebrities choose to work well into their later years, Bardot walked away at the height of her fame. In 1973, just months before turning 40, she retired from acting for good. Settling largely in Saint-Tropez, Bardot refused a quiet life - and soon found herself drawn to a new calling.
Activism Became Bardot's Calling in Life
After appearing in over 40 movies and recording many albums, Bardot switched gears to become an animal rights activist. She started her own animal welfare charity, became a vegetarian and raised millions of dollars in donations.
Sara Portnoy
