Credits: Based on Studio Harcourt / Ministry of Culture — public domain — AI retouch (OpenAI / DALL·E).
At 90, Brigitte Bardot remains an iconic figure of French cinema and an unmissable personality in popular culture. On March 26, she gave a rare interview to BFMTV. It sheds light on her daily life and her fight for animal protection. She also addresses the solitude she claims.
Her name is still linked to And God Created Woman by Roger Vadim, released in 1956. This cult film shaped the legend “BB,” propelling her to global stardom. From then on, she embodied modernity and freedom in the seventh art, captivating the press and the public.
Today, she still lives at La Madrague, her legendary house in Saint-Tropez purchased in 1958. This intimate refuge, a symbol of independence, houses her peaceful days, marked by nature, classical music, and reading.
A Day at La Madrague
Every morning, Brigitte Bardot tends to her animals and her home. Indeed, she prefers the authenticity of everyday life to the tumult of the spotlight. From 1 PM, she devotes herself to her foundation, created in 1986. Its mission is to defend the animal cause and raise awareness of cruelty toward animals.
"From 1 PM to 6 PM, I work for my foundation," she confides. She thus handles mail, urgent files, and actions on the ground. Her rigor illustrates an unwavering commitment despite the years.
Health Recovered After 2023
In July 2023, Brigitte Bardot experienced a respiratory distress that worried her fans. She now says she has overcome that episode. "I have a hell of a temperament! It’s hard to put me down," she declares.
Despite this energy, she acknowledges a certain weariness, fueled by her recent losses. Her eyes well up when she mentions those who have left her.
The Mourning of Her Dog and Alain Delon
On April 20, 2024, her faithful companion E.T. passed away. Since then, Bardot no longer drives her 4L. "I always drove with him. I stopped, because I was all alone in the car." This loss deeply affected her, as E.T. represented daily support.
The death of Alain Delon, in August 2024, also shook her. “I am very, very sad. I miss him enormously. We were on the same wavelength.” Their complicity began in 1961, on the set of Les Amours célèbres. Together, they embodied a romantic strand of French cinema.
An Assumed Solitude
"I have no one left. They have all gone," says Brigitte Bardot gravely. She says she has "drawn a line through a large part of the human population." Indeed, she believes the world now inspires mistrust and sadness.
However, this solitude does not weigh on her as much as one might think. It gives her a certain peace of mind, and it allows her to remember in silence. She also thinks of the people she loved.
A Clear-Sighted View of Death
Brigitte Bardot does not fear death. "Current life makes death seem like something extraordinary." On the contrary, she sees it as an escape from an era she sometimes finds meaningless.
She compares death to a "silent companion." Present, but not frightening, it is part of a larger cycle. Thus, nature and animals remain central in her eyes.
A Voice Still Carried by the Animal Cause
Despite her withdrawal from sets, Bardot remains firm in defending animals. She condemns fox hunting, which she calls a "monstrosity." She also speaks out against all forms of animal exploitation. She insists on the urgency of ending the suffering and injustice inflicted on animals.
She does not fear controversy. This pioneering commitment, sometimes deemed too radical, nevertheless paved the way for a growing sensitivity to biodiversity and animal welfare.
The Legacy of an Icon
As the 70th anniversary of the film that made her famous approaches, Bardot still asserts herself as a French icon. Her roles in Contempt by Jean-Luc Godard or Viva Maria! by Louis Malle have marked several generations. More than an actress, she became a militant deeply rooted in societal debates.
Her opinions, sometimes labeled reactionary, regularly create a stir. Yet she has often anticipated certain trends. Defending flora and fauna, protecting beaches and fighting animal abuse — these are themes that have become central in current events again.
An Intact Fascination Despite 52 Years of Absence
Bardot retired from cinema in 1973, but her media aura remains strong. She still crystallizes a mix of curiosity, controversy, and nostalgia. For some, she symbolizes an era when lightness and carefreeness reigned. For others, she remains the figure of a strong woman, ready to defend her ideas.
Her exclusive interviews make front pages, while social networks ignite at the slightest of her statements. Her personal life, her friendship with Delon, and her ecological commitment continually fuel the media’s interest. Moreover, her freedom of speech also contributes to this constant attention.
Her confidences to BFMTV remind us that beyond the Bardot myth, there is a wounded but standing woman. Always rebellious, always uncompromising, she continues to leave her mark on French society. With her battles and contradictions, Brigitte Bardot persists in embodying one of the most striking personalities of the Hexagon.
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