Brigitte Bardot Passes at 91: Legacy, Wealth, and Controversy Unveiled

A Life of Glamour and Activism

Brigitte Bardot, a name synonymous with beauty and rebellion in post-war cinema, has passed away at the age of 91. Her death on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at her cherished home in Saint-Tropez marks the end of an era. The news brings to light a life that was as complex as it was influential. While her early years were defined by Hollywood glamour, her later years saw her transition into a fierce advocate for animal welfare.

The cause of her death remains undisclosed, but it is known that she passed away peacefully at 'La Madrague' after a brief hospital stay in October and November due to breathing issues. Her legacy, however, continues to resonate across generations.

From Silver Screen to Animal Champion

Bardot's rise to fame in the 1950s was nothing short of meteoric. Films such as And God Created Woman, The Truth, and Viva Maria! captivated audiences worldwide. These roles not only solidified her status as a symbol of liberated femininity but also made her one of the highest-paid actresses of her time. For her role in Viva Maria!, she earned $350,000, which would be approximately $3.66 million today.

Her net worth was further bolstered by her 1996 autobiography, Initials B.B., which added another $4 million to her fortune. Additionally, her modelling gigs and shrewd property investments contributed significantly to her wealth, placing her net worth between $65 million and $100 million.

Property became one of her most lucrative investments. La Madrague, the sun-drenched Saint-Tropez villa she purchased in 1958, is now valued at over $23 million. Another property, Le Castelet, a medieval gem near Cannes, was listed for $6.5 million in 2020. These properties were more than just assets; they were sanctuaries where Bardot found solace and focused on her activism.

A Shift in Focus

In 1973, Bardot made a pivotal decision to step away from her acting career and dedicate herself to animal welfare. She once said, "I gave my youth and beauty to men; I give my wisdom and experience to animals." This shift was captured in a statement from her foundation: "The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation."

Her commitment to animal rights saved countless lives, though it came at a personal cost. Multiple hospital stays preceded her passing, as her health declined quietly in the place she loved most. Just weeks before her death, she published her final book, Mon BBcedaire, in which she criticized modern France, calling it "submissive" and "dull."

Controversies and Legal Battles

Despite her humanitarian efforts, Bardot's later years were marked by controversy. She faced multiple legal challenges, including five court cases from the 1990s for inciting racial hatred. Her comments on immigration, Islam, and Muslim ceremonial slaughter drew criticism, and her book Un cri dans le silence (A Cry in the Silence) fueled these tensions with xenophobic and Islamophobic content.

One of the most significant penalties came in 2020 when she was fined €20,000 ($23,500) for describing Réunion islanders as "degenerate savages" with "savage genes." In total, fines amounted to between €50,000 and €55,000 ($59,000 to $65,000). She was also associated with far-right figures, including Marine Le Pen and the National Front, and her third husband, Bernard d'Ormale, advised Jean-Marie Le Pen.

These controversies revealed a woman who never hesitated to speak her mind, even as they drained her wealth. Supporters viewed her as a truth-teller fighting against cruelty, while critics saw her as a bigot using her privilege to express harmful views.

Lasting Impact

Despite the scandals, Bardot's work for animals left an indelible mark. Her efforts to stop seal hunts and reform French factory farms touched millions of people. Today, her foundation has over 70,000 donors and 300 employees, ensuring that her mission will continue long after her passing.

While properties like La Madrague may pass to heirs or causes, Bardot's influence—on film, fur, and fierce debate—will endure. As per her final wishes, she will be buried in a simple grave in her garden at La Madrague, marked only by a wooden cross, just like her animals.