Brigitte Bardot | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 22, 2025

Who is Brigitte Bardot?

Brigitte Bardot is a celebrated French model and actress who captured the world’s attention with her stunning beauty and captivating performances. Born on September 28, 1934, in Paris, France, she began her artistic journey as a ballet student at the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance. Bardot's career took off at the age of 15 when she graced the cover of Elle magazine. She made her film debut in 1952 and subsequently starred in numerous acclaimed films. However, it was her role in the controversial 1956 film "And God Created Woman" that catapulted her into international stardom, establishing her as a symbol of the sexual revolution.

Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot became one of Europe’s most recognizable actresses, known for her natural charm and sensual portrayals. With a string of successful films such as "Contempt" and "Viva Maria!," she became an enduring icon of beauty and elegance. While she experienced the pressures of fame and public scrutiny, Bardot ultimately retired from acting in the early 1970s, opting for a quieter life in St. Tropez. Shifted from the limelight, she devoted herself to animal activism, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals in the mid-1980s, influencing policies on animal rights across Europe.

Early Life and Education

Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born on September 28, 1934, in Paris, France, into a bourgeois family. Her father, an industrialist, and her mother, a former opera singer, nurtured her artistic inclinations from a young age. Bardot exhibited talent in the performing arts, leading her to pursue ballet. She studied at the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance, which provided her with a solid foundation in dance. However, it was her striking beauty and captivating presence that caught the eye of the film industry early on.

At just 15 years old, Bardot graced the cover of Elle magazine, marking the beginning of her modeling career and setting the stage for her future in film. Discovered by screenwriter Roger Vadim, she quickly transitioned from modeling into acting, making her film debut in 1952 with "Le Trou Normand." Her early roles displayed her ability to portray complex characters and established her as a promising young talent in French cinema. Bardot's youthful charm and natural talent would later evolve into the persona of an international sex symbol, paving the way for her iconic status in the world of film and fashion.

Career Start: The Rise of Brigitte Bardot in Films

Brigitte Bardot's cinematic journey began when she graced the cover of Elle magazine at just 15, catching the eye of the influential screenwriter Roger Vadim. This pivotal moment led to her marriage to Vadim in 1952, the same year she made her film debut in Le Trou Normand. Bardot quickly established herself in the French film industry with notable performances in La Lumiere d'en Face and Helen of Troy. Her early roles showcased her charm and talent, hinting at the immense stardom that was to follow.

The turning point in Bardot's career came with the daring film And God Created Woman in 1956, directed by Vadim. In this landmark role, she portrayed a sexually liberated woman in St. Tropez, a performance that captivated audiences and propelled her to international fame. The film's bold themes of sensuality and desire resonated with viewers, making Bardot a symbol of freedom and joie de vivre. Her magnetic screen presence and natural beauty quickly earned her the status of Europe’s top actress, setting the stage for a prolific film career in the following years.

International Fame: Major Films and Achievements

Brigitte Bardot rose to international fame with her groundbreaking role in the 1956 film "And God Created Woman," directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. The film showcased her portrayal of a sexually liberated young woman in St. Tropez, captivating audiences with its daring exploration of sensuality and freedom. Bardot's performance and the film's bold themes made her an emblem of the sexual revolution, solidifying her status as a leading actress in Europe and beyond. This role not only marked the beginning of her meteoric rise but also redefined the modern image of femininity in cinema.

Throughout her illustrious career, Bardot starred in numerous iconic films that further showcased her talent and allure. Notable works include Jean-Luc Godard's critically acclaimed "Contempt" (1963) and the vibrant comedy "Viva Maria!" (1965), where she starred alongside fellow French actress Jeanne Moreau. Bardot's beauty and charisma were featured prominently in comedies such as "Les Femmes" (1969) and as herself in the 1965 film "Dear Brigitte." Beyond acting, she ventured into music, collaborating with renowned artists like Serge Gainsbourg, producing several hit songs and albums that complemented her cinematic achievements. Through these works, Bardot cemented her legacy as one of the most celebrated cultural icons of the 20th century.

Musical Career and Iconic Status

Brigitte Bardot's influence extended well beyond the silver screen into the realm of music. In the 1960s, she embarked on a successful recording career, releasing several albums that showcased her distinctive voice and artistic flair. Albums such as "Brigitte Bardot Sings" (1960) and "Special Bardot" (1968) featured a blend of French pop and chanson, with her collaboration with legendary singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg resulting in memorable hits. Bardot's music often mirrored her vibrant personality and sensuality, capturing the spirit of the era and further cementing her status as a cultural icon.

Bardot's legacy is deeply intertwined with her image as a quintessential beauty and a symbol of liberated femininity. Her roles in films like "Contempt" (1963) and "Viva Maria!" (1965) showcased not only her acting prowess but also her magnetic on-screen charm. The popularization of her image transformed her into a global symbol of allure, influencing generations of artists, models, and filmmakers. By 1970, her likeness was immortalized in the form of the French Marianne sculpture, representing liberty and reason, which solidified her iconic status both in France and around the world. Bardot's multifaceted career has left an indelible mark on popular culture, ensuring her place as a notable figure in the history of film and music.

Personal Life: Marriages and Children

Brigitte Bardot's personal life has been as vivid and dramatic as her film career. Her first marriage was to screenwriter and director Roger Vadim in 1952, who discovered her talent and helped to propel her to stardom. They remained married until 1957, during which time Bardot starred in several of Vadim's films, including the iconic "And God Created Woman." Following their divorce, Bardot married actor Jacques Charrier in 1959, and they welcomed a son, Nicolas, in 1960. However, this union was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1962, as Bardot's star continued to rise.

Bardot's third marriage to Gunter Sachs, a wealthy German playboy, took place in 1966, bringing a touch of glamor to her life amidst the pressures of fame. Their relationship, while passionate, lasted only three years. In 1992, she married Bernard d'Ormale, a political aide, marking a shift toward a quieter personal life after decades in the public eye. Despite the media frenzy surrounding her marriages, Bardot has largely focused on her passion for animal rights activism following her retirement from acting, making her a multifaceted figure far beyond her on-screen persona.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Success

Brigitte Bardot, a global icon and one of the most recognized figures in French cinema, has achieved significant financial success throughout her illustrious career. At her peak, she commanded high salaries and lucrative contracts, earning millions from her acting projects, endorsements, and music albums. Bardot's groundbreaking role in "And God Created Woman" not only launched her career but also positioned her as a top-earning actress of the 1950s and 1960s. Her foray into music further diversified her income streams, with successful record releases contributing to her wealth.

Since retiring from acting in the early 1970s, Bardot has also built a notable financial foundation through her activism work. Establishing the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals in the 1980s, she has gained partnerships and support from various organizations that contribute to her philanthropic efforts. Though her public persona has seen controversy, including instances of fines for discriminatory remarks, her legacy in film, fashion, and animal rights advocacy continues to bolster her net worth, estimated at around $65 million as of 2023.