Brigitte Bardot was laid to rest following a private funeral service held in Saint-Tropez, the French seaside town she called home for more than 50 years. The legendary actress and fashion icon passed away on December 28 at the age of 91 at her residence on the French Riviera.
According to her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, Bardot died from cancer after undergoing two surgical operations. In an interview with Paris Match, he shared that she remained mentally alert and deeply concerned about animal welfare until her final moments, a cause that defined the later decades of her life.
The funeral service took place at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church in Saint-Tropez. Though the ceremony itself was private, hundreds of admirers gathered outside along the streets to pay their respects. Many applauded as Bardot’s coffin arrived at the church, and again as it was driven through the town after the service. Large screens were set up at the port and in nearby public squares so locals and fans could follow the farewell.
The service was attended by close family members and invited guests. Among those present were Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right party, as well as representatives and supporters of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the animal protection organization Bardot founded after stepping away from the film industry.
Max Guazzini, a close friend of Bardot and secretary general of the foundation, delivered a moving tribute during the ceremony. He spoke of her lifelong dedication to animals, saying that all the creatures she saved and loved were symbolically accompanying her on her final journey. His words highlighted how deeply Bardot’s identity became tied to animal rights advocacy.
Following the church service, Bardot was buried in strict privacy at a cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, according to the Saint-Tropez town hall. A separate public tribute was also held nearby, allowing fans to honour her legacy.
Brigitte Bardot rose to international fame in 1956 with her breakthrough role in And God Created Woman, directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. Her performance helped define her image as a bold and rebellious sex symbol and made her one of the most famous women in the world. She went on to star in more than 40 films before retiring from acting in 1973 at just 39 years old.
After leaving the spotlight, Bardot devoted her life to animal protection, calling it her “only battle.” Her influence, both in cinema and activism, leaves a lasting mark on French culture and beyond.
