French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot was laid to rest in a private ceremony followed by a public tribute in Saint-Tropez, the town she called home for over 50 years. Bardot, known for her iconic roles in the 1960s, passed away at the age of 91 from cancer after undergoing two surgeries, according to her husband, Bernard d’Ormale.
Her funeral procession through the streets of Saint-Tropez was met with applause from residents and fans. The service, held at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church, included a moving rendition of Ave Maria by Maria Callas. Bardot’s husband, son, grandchildren, and guests from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation were in attendance.
Mourners gathered to watch the farewell on large screens at the port and plazas in the town. Bardot, who found solace in Saint-Tropez away from her celebrity status, was laid to rest in a cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The cemetery is also the final resting place of other notable figures, including her first husband, filmmaker Roger Vadim.
Having retired from acting in 1973, Bardot spent her later years at her seaside villa, La Madrague. Despite her withdrawal from the film industry, she remained a prominent figure due to her animal rights activism and controversial political affiliations. Bardot faced criticism for her stance against the seal hunt in Newfoundland and her legal troubles regarding racial hatred charges related to her opposition to certain religious practices.
Bardot’s legacy as a screen siren and passionate advocate for animal welfare continues to spark discussions and reflections on her impactful life and career.