Brigitte Bardot Dies: French Film Icon Who Sparked Sexual Revolution

French actress and cultural icon Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. Born on November 28, 1934 in Paris, Bardot rose to international fame as a film siren who helped ignite a sexual revolution with her bold portrayal of female sexuality in 1956's 'And God Created Woman.' The film, directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, was considered scandalous for its frank depiction of sensuality and challenged post-war conservative norms. Bardot starred in over 40 films before retiring at age 39 in 1973 to dedicate her life to animal rights activism. In 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to combat animal cruelty. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, calling her a symbol of 'freedom' who 'embodied a life of freedom' and 'French existence, universal brilliance.' Bardot remained controversial in later years due to statements prosecuted for incitement to racial hatred.