Brigitte Bardot, the epitome of French allure and cinematic glamour, remains a timeless icon
Brigitte Bardot, the epitome of French allure and cinematic glamour, remains a timeless icon whose influence transcends generations. Born in Paris and catapulted to global stardom in the 1950s and 1960s, Bardot's journey from screen siren to passionate animal rights activist is a compelling tale of reinvention.
If you're here because of Brigitte Bardot, we've got great news for you! Right now, you can stream on TV5MONDEplus Come Dance with me (Voulez-vous danser avec moi), Une Parisienne, and Mademoiselle Striptease (Une Parisienne). View the entire Brigitte Bardot collection, one of French cinema's greatest actresses on the French streaming platform TV5MONDEplus here,
Watch classic films starring Brigitte Bardot, icon of the 1950s-1960s and French cinema. Our selection of films showcases the many talents of this actress, who starred in over 45 films alongside some of the world's greatest actors and directors, including Jean-Louis Trintignant, Jean Gabin, Jacques Charrier and Jean-Luc Godard.
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Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress and sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, was born on September 28, 1934. As of 2024, she is 89 years old. Born in Paris, France, Bardot grew up in a wealthy family, her father being an industrialist and owned several factories across Paris. Although Bardot’s upbringing was steeped in the arts; taking ballet lessons from a young age and was enrolled at the Conservatoire de Paris, her parents were against the idea of a career in acting.
Brigitte Bardot retired from acting in 1973, making it over fifty years since she last appeared on the silver screen. Her decision to step away from the film industry was driven by her growing disillusionment with the world of fame and celebrity. Bardot felt overwhelmed by the relentless attention and the demands of her career, yearning for a simpler, more meaningful existence. She continued singing songs from Serge Gainsbourg for a few years, although most of her major hits were in the 60s.
The last movies she made in the early 1970s include "Don Juan, or If Don Juan Were a Woman" (1973), where she played a modern-day female Don Juan, and "L'histoire très bonne et très joyeuse de Colinot Trousse-Chemise". These films encapsulate the end of an era for Bardot, marking her departure from an industry that she dominated for over a decade. After her retirement, Bardot remained in her famous house in St. Tropez La Madrague and dedicated herself to animal rights activism, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals in 1986.
Brigitte Bardot's filmography is rich with performances that capture her unique blend of sensuality, charm, and talent. Here are some of her must-see movies:
This film, directed by Roger Vadim, catapulted Bardot to international stardom. Bardot plays Juliette, a free-spirited woman whose uninhibited lifestyle causes a scandal in a small French town. The film's provocative nature and Bardot’s electrifying performance were groundbreaking, establishing her as a global sex symbol.
In this romantic thriller, Bardot stars as a young woman who gets entangled in a murder investigation after her dance instructor is killed. Her portrayal of a determined and intelligent protagonist showcased her range as an actress beyond her sex symbol image.
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Also known as "Plucking the Daisy" or "Mam'zelle Striptease," this comedy features Bardot as a young woman who moves to Paris and becomes a writer. The film is a delightful showcase of Bardot's comedic timing and undeniable screen presence.
In this romantic comedy, Bardot plays a diplomat's daughter who gets involved in a series of romantic misadventures. The film is light-hearted and fun, highlighting Bardot’s ability to enchant audiences with her playful and vivacious spirit.
Brigitte Bardot is not the only actress to have walked away from the limelight for personal reasons. Here are a few others:
The enigmatic Swedish-American actress retired at the age of 35, after making only 28 films. Garbo cited her desire for privacy and her disillusionment with the Hollywood system as reasons for her departure.
After a successful career in film and music, Doris Day retired from acting in the early 1970s. She focused on her animal welfare work and personal life, similar to Brigitte Bardot’s post-retirement trajectory.
Though she never fully retired from the public eye, Audrey Hepburn significantly scaled back her acting career in the late 1960s. She devoted much of her later life to humanitarian work with UNICEF, traveling extensively to raise awareness and support for children in need.
The glamorous actress of the 1940s stepped back from her career after struggling with mental health issues and personal tragedies. Tierney’s story is a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by actors behind the scenes.
The Oscar-winning actress left Hollywood at the height of her career to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco. As Princess of Monaco, she dedicated herself to philanthropic endeavors and raising her family, leaving behind her illustrious film career.