Shriver: ‘And God Created Women,’ ‘Contempt’ Star Dies at 91
Brigitte Bardot, French Film Icon, Dies at 89
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who ignited an international interest with European cinema and became a symbol of bold sexuality in the 1950s, has died at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by Bruno Jacquelin of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals to The Associated Press. No cause of death has been provided, and funeral arrangements are pending. She had been hospitalized last month.
Bardot rose to prominence with films like “And God Created Woman,” directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim. Though her time as a major box office draw was relatively short, retiring from films in the early 1970s, her impact was important. She popularized a youthful, blonde image in cinema, influencing both European and American films.
Her films, often originating from France, challenged the conservative norms of the 1950s, especially in America, paving the way for greater openness regarding sexuality and ultimately contributing to the decline of censorship. While she attempted to establish herself as a serious actress with roles in films like Jean-Luc Godard’s “Contempt,” she found limited success.
“And God Created Woman,” released in 1956, became a global hit, earning $8.5 million worldwide. Other films like “Mam’zelle Pigalle,” “please! Mr. Balzac,” and “The Girl in the Bikini” further cemented her status as a sex symbol in the United States. In France, she starred in accomplished films such as ”The Bride Is Much Too Beautiful,” “La Parisienne,” “The Night Heaven Fell,” “The Woman and the Puppet,” and “In Case of Emergency.”
Simone de Beauvoir explored bardot’s cultural impact in her 1959 treatise, “Brigitte Bardot and the Lolita Syndrome.” However, Bardot’s image was already deeply ingrained in the culture.
Throughout the 1960s, Bardot continued to pursue more significant roles in films like “Babette Goes to war,” “A Very Private Affair,” and “La Verite.” she continued to collaborate with Vadim, even after their divorce and her marriage to actor jacques Charrier.
Godard’s “Contempt” (1963) cleverly utilized and commented on her established reputation. She also appeared in American productions, including a cameo in “Dear Brigitte” and “Viva maria,” directed by Louis Malle.