Brigitte Bardot’s final farewell took place on Wednesday with a private ceremony and a public tribute in Saint-Tropez, the scenic French Riviera town where she made her home for over 50 years following her retirement from the spotlight. The renowned animal rights advocate and conservative figure passed away on December 28 at the age of 91 at her residence in southern France after battling cancer and undergoing two surgeries, as confirmed by her husband, Bernard d’Ormale.
The funeral procession honoring Bardot, once a global icon and prominent film star of the 1960s, was met with applause from residents and fans as her casket was carried through the town’s streets. The commemoration commenced with a rendition of Ave Maria performed by Maria Callas at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church, attended by Bardot’s family, close friends, and supporters of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation dedicated to animal welfare.
During the somber event, Max Guazzini, a friend and key member of her foundation, expressed the profound sorrow felt by those in attendance. A large crowd gathered in Saint-Tropez to observe the proceedings on screens set up at various locations, paying their respects to Bardot, whose connection to the town ran deep as a sanctuary away from her former fame.
Bardot was laid to rest in a private ceremony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at a cemetery where several cultural luminaries, including her ex-husband and filmmaker Roger Vadim, are also interred. Having retired from acting in 1973 at the age of 39 after a prolific career spanning numerous films, Bardot found solace in her coastal villa, La Madrague, making Saint-Tropez her permanent residence.
Despite her withdrawal from the film industry, Bardot remained a prominent public figure known for her animal rights advocacy and controversial stances, particularly in the realm of far-right politics. Her activism, including opposition to the seal hunt in Newfoundland, drew criticism for disregarding Indigenous traditions, while legal troubles arose from accusations of inciting racial hatred related to her stance on Muslim ritual practices.
Reflecting on her convictions and public image, Bardot acknowledged her passionate nature, citing frustration with what she perceived as slow progress in societal issues.