The 5 Major Revelations About Brigitte Bardot's Life At 91: Health Scares, New Documentary, And The 'Miracle' That Saved Her

Few figures in cinematic history command the enduring fascination of Brigitte Bardot. The French icon, known simply as 'BB,' transitioned from the ultimate 1950s and 60s sex symbol to one of the world's most passionate and uncompromising animal rights activists. As of December 11, 2025, the 91-year-old star remains a subject of intense public interest, particularly following a series of recent health updates and the release of a new, revealing documentary that chronicles her turbulent life.

The latest news surrounding Bardot is a complex mix of health scares, public clarifications, and profound reflections on her legacy. Despite her reclusive life in Saint-Tropez, Bardot continues to make headlines, using her voice to champion the cause closest to her heart: the welfare of animals. This article dives into the most current and significant updates, providing a fresh look at the woman behind the legend.

Brigitte Bardot: A Complete Biographical Profile

Born into a wealthy Parisian family, Brigitte Bardot's life has been one of dramatic reinvention, moving from a ballerina and model to a global cinematic phenomenon and, finally, a dedicated humanitarian. Her initials, 'BB,' became synonymous with a new era of liberated femininity and style.

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• Full Name: Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot
• Date of Birth: September 28, 1934
• Current Age: 91 (as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Paris, France
• Early Career: Began as a model at age 15, notably appearing on the cover of Elle Magazine. She was an aspiring ballerina in her youth.
• Breakthrough Film: And God Created Woman (1956), directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim. This film cemented her status as an international sex symbol.
• Notable Filmography: The Truth (1960), A Very Private Affair (1962), Jean-Luc Godard’s Le Mépris (Contempt) (1963), and Viva Maria! (1965), for which she received a BAFTA Award nomination.
• Retirement: Retired from acting and singing in 1973, having starred in 47 films and recorded over 60 songs.
• Activism: Founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals in 1986, selling off many of her personal possessions to fund it.
• Current Residence: La Madrague, Saint-Tropez, France.
• Spouses: Roger Vadim (1952–1957), Jacques Charrier (1959–1962), Gunter Sachs (1966–1969), Bernard d'Ormale (1992–Present).

The Recent Health Scares and Public Clarification (2025 Update)

The year 2025 brought significant concern for Bardot's fans worldwide. Reports surfaced in October 2025 that the 91-year-old had been hospitalized with a "serious illness" for three weeks at a private hospital in Toulon, France, before being released. The news of her hospitalization, and subsequent surgery, quickly spread, causing widespread alarm.

However, the narrative took a quick turn, highlighting Bardot’s characteristic defiance. Following the circulating reports, Bardot herself issued a statement, urging her fans to "calm down" and clarifying her health status. In a subsequent message, she reportedly denied any current convalescence, stating she remains in good health. This conflicting information—a hospitalization report followed by a public denial of any ongoing issues—underscores the intense media scrutiny she still faces, even decades after retiring from the spotlight.

For Bardot, who has lived a fiercely private life since leaving cinema, managing her public image is a constant battle. The incident serves as a fresh reminder of her enduring celebrity and the public's insatiable curiosity about her well-being.

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'Bardot': New Documentary Reveals Suicide Attempts and a 'Miracle'

Adding another layer of depth to her recent public presence is the release of a new documentary simply titled Bardot, which premiered in France in late 2025. This film delves into the challenging aspects of her life, revealing truths that the public rarely heard during her years of fame.

Fame as a Trap

In the documentary, Bardot opens up about her struggles with fame, describing the intense pressure and the feeling of being "hunted" and "besmirched." She discusses how the global adoration that made her a star also became a suffocating prison. This candid reflection on the dark side of being a 'sex kitten' is a powerful counterpoint to the glamorous image many still hold.

The 'Miracle' That Saved Her

Perhaps the most shocking revelation is Bardot's discussion of her past suicide attempts. She attributes her survival to what she calls a "miracle." This emotional honesty sheds new light on the vulnerability beneath the surface of the seemingly carefree icon. It adds a crucial, human dimension to her story, explaining the profound shift in her life's purpose.

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The Unwavering Legacy of the Animal Rights Activist

For Brigitte Bardot, her cinematic legacy is secondary to her work as an animal rights advocate. Her commitment to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation is not just a hobby, but the defining mission of her later life. She has made it clear that she does not care if people remember her as an actress; her true desire is for people to remember "the respect we owe to animals."

A New Book on Her Campaign

Demonstrating her ongoing commitment, Bardot announced in late 2024 a new book documenting her decades-long campaign for animal rights, which was published in 2025. The book serves as a testament to her tireless efforts, covering everything from her campaigns against the seal hunt to her strong stance against the consumption of horse meat.

Loneliness and Dedication

In a rare and candid interview given around her 90th birthday, Bardot reflected on the final stages of her life, lamenting a sense of loneliness and stating, "I have no one left, everyone..." This poignant statement highlights the sacrifices she made for her cause. Her dedication to animals—her "zest for life" reinvigorated by her work—has come at the expense of many human connections, including her own son and ex-husbands, with whom she has complex relationships.

Ultimately, Brigitte Bardot’s most powerful role is not as the star of *Contempt* or *Viva Maria!*, but as the fierce, uncompromising voice for the voiceless. Her recent health scares and the new documentary only serve to reinforce the narrative of a woman who, having lived a life of extreme public exposure, found her true purpose in a quiet, yet relentless, battle for compassion and respect for all living creatures.