The lives and careers of 1950s screen icons in pictures

Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who arguably redefined cinematic glamor and captivated the world as a 1950s screen icon, has died aged 91.

From her breakthrough appearance in God Created Woman to her provocative roles in Veritas, Contempt and Hail Mary! She pioneered new images of female sexuality and liberation on screen before dedicating her life to animal rights.

Bardot’s life was one full of glamor, controversy and conviction.

Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot trained as a ballet dancer before her striking beauty caught the attention of film producers.

At 18, she married director Roger Vadim, who cast her in And God Created Woman, a provocative film that made her an international star.

Bardot’s sultry, carefree image in this French New Wave classic redefined femininity and made her a Cannes sensation.

Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot became a global phenomenon, winning critical acclaim for the dramatic depth of her role in “The Veritas,” roles in Jean-Luc Godard’s masterpiece “Contempt,” and “Viva Maria!” “, alongside Jeanne Moreau, she showcased her comedic talents.

Her tousled hair and bold eyeliner set global fashion trends, while her performance cemented Bardot’s status as a cinematic pioneer.

In addition to her most iconic roles, Bardot also demonstrated her versatility in the films “Pillow,” in which she played a complex, emotionally torn character, and “Two Weeks in September,” a romantic drama that highlighted her ability to express vulnerability.

In “Bears and Dolls,” she brought a playful charm to comedic roles, proving her ability to cross genres.

These films, while less well-known, highlight her ability to captivate audiences with different narratives.

In 1973, at the height of her fame, the 39-year-old Bardot retired from acting to support animal rights.

She founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and campaigned against seal hunting and animal testing, turning her passion into advocacy.

Her bold transformation from screen siren to activist surprised many, but it reflected her commitment to real life.

Bardot settled in Saint-Tropez, living a quiet life away from the spotlight.

She remains an icon of 1960s glamor and a pioneer for animal rights.

Bardot’s reputation was tarnished in her later years when she made homophobic slurs and was fined several times for inciting racial hatred.

These are the scars in the memory of an icon who, in her prime, brought the bikini, female desire and French cinema to the forefront.