The final public message tied to Brigitte Bardot’s name was not about cinema, celebrity, or her storied past in the spotlight. Instead, it was a plea — one last call to action on behalf of an animal in need.
According to Fox News, the legendary French actress and lifelong animal-rights activist died at age 91, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals confirmed Sunday in a statement shared with Agence France-Presse.
Her death came just one day after the foundation posted what would become Bardot’s final social media appeal, urging the public to help rescue a sick dog.
In the Instagram video shared Saturday, Bardot appeared calm and resolute as she gently petted Urphé, a young Doberman suffering from severe generalized arthritis. Though long retired from acting, Bardot remained fully engaged in the mission that defined the second half of her life.
“He is a very sweet dog, very people-oriented, very affectionate, and very playful,” the caption read. “He needs to experience life because he has only known the kennel. We are sending out an SOS today for Urphé.”
The moment offered a striking final image of Bardot — no longer the international sex symbol of the 1950s and ’60s, but a tireless advocate who devoted decades to animal welfare.
Only days earlier, the foundation had shared a Christmas message featuring Bardot kissing another rescue dog, thanking supporters for standing by the cause.
“All the teams at the Brigitte Bardot Foundation wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” the message read. “Thank you for your support! Take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and your pets.”
Bardot had been briefly hospitalized in late October at Saint-Jean Hospital in Toulon, where she underwent a minor surgical procedure, according to her office.
Tributes poured in quickly following news of her death. PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk described Bardot as fearless in her activism.
“From her rescued pigeons in Saint-Tropez to her beloved dogs, PETA will miss Brigitte, an angel for animals who went to bat and to court to protect them all,” Newkirk said. “A vegetarian for years, a strong voice for all species, she sold her jewelry and other possessions to start a sanctuary and defend animals.”
Celebrities across generations also honored her legacy. Apple Martin, daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow, called Bardot “a true legend.” Lindsay Lohan shared an image of Bardot with prayer hands and a dove, while Kelly Rowland reposted iconic photos from throughout Bardot’s life.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Bardot as a symbol of freedom.
“Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne — Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom,” he wrote.
Bardot rose to international fame with the 1956 film And God Created Woman and went on to star in La Vérité, Contempt (Le Mépris) and Viva Maria!. She was married four times and is survived by her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier.
