Brigitte Bardot, born on September 28, 1934, is a French actress, singer, model, and animal rights activist who is often known by her initials, B.B. Renowned for her portrayal of characters with hedonistic lifestyles, she is considered a major symbol of the sexual revolution. Although she retired from the entertainment industry in 1973, she remains a prominent pop culture icon. Bardot’s career includes 47 films, several musicals, and over 60 songs. In 1985, she was awarded the Legion of Honour.

Raised in Paris, Bardot initially aspired to be a ballerina before starting her acting career in 1952. She gained international fame in 1957 with her role in “And God Created Woman” and was dubbed the “sex kitten” by many French intellectuals. Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir even referred to her as a “locomotive of women’s history” in her 1959 essay, “The Lolita Syndrome,” highlighting her as a key figure in women’s liberation. Bardot received a David di Donatello Best Foreign Actress Award in 1961 for “The Truth” and was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress for her role in “Viva Maria!” (1965). French President Charles de Gaulle once remarked that Bardot was as important an export for France as Renault cars.