Bardot, Brigitte

(1934- )

   actor, animal rights advocate

   Born Camille Javal in Paris, Brigitte Bardot, as a film actress, became an international sex symbol before retiring from show business to devote herself to the cause of animal rights. She began her career modeling in fashion magazines and, at the age of 15, made her film debut in the comedy Le trou normand (1952). In 1956, she was featured in Et Dieu créa la femme, directed by roger vadim, which was a showcase for her physical beauty and sensual personality. The film was an international success, especially in the United States, where it represented different and controversial film standards. Bardot's image was further advanced in a series of minor French and italian comedies, but she gained respect in her field as an actress, in La Vérité (1960), directed by jean-luc godard, and Le mépris (1963) and Viva Maria (1965), directed by louis malle. After this, she made other films and maintained her worldwide celebrity. Following her retirement from acting in 1973, Brigitte Bardot mostly withdrew from public life but continued to keep her notoriety through her tireless efforts and selfless advocacy for animal rights. She established a foundation under her name for the protection of animals (1970) and was awarded the legion of honor in 1985.