Bardot shot to international fame in 1956 with "And God Created Woman," and went on to star in around 50 other films before retiring from acting in 1973.

In the 1960s, she was considered an icon of beauty and femininity thanks to her physique and acting talent. She retired from film and lived for a long time in the Riviera, in southern France.

In 1986, the French film legend founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to fight against animal cruelty and raise public awareness about animal protection. Her final years were dedicated to animal protection campaigns.