The life and career of the 1950s cinema icon in pictures

French actress Brigitte Bardot, who has died aged 91, arguably redefined cinematic appeal, captivating the world as an icon of 1950s cinema.

From her appearance in And God Created Woman to her provocative roles in Truth, Contempt and Viva Maria! she pioneered a new image of female sexuality and liberation on screen, before devoting her life to animal rights.

Bardot’s life was one of glamour, controversy and conviction.

Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot trained as a ballerina before her striking beauty attracted the attention of filmmakers.

At 18, she married director Roger Vadim, who cast her in And God Created Woman, a provocative film that propelled her to international stardom.

Bardot’s sensual, carefree character in this French New Wave classic redefined femininity and made her a Cannes sensation.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot became a global phenomenon with roles in La Vérité, critically acclaimed for its dramatic depth, and Mépris, a Jean-Luc Godard masterpiece, and Viva Maria!, showcasing her comedic talent alongside Jeanne Moreau.

Her tousled hair and bold eyeliner set fashion trends around the world, while her performances made Bardot a pioneer in cinema.

Beyond her most iconic roles, Bardot has shown her versatility in films like Love on a Pillow, where she plays a complex and emotionally torn character, and Two Weeks in September, a romantic drama that showcases her ability to express vulnerability.

In The Bear and the Doll, she brought a playful charm to a comedic role, proving her diversity in genres.

These films, although less famous, highlighted his ability to captivate audiences in diverse narratives.

In 1973, at the height of his fame, Bardot retired at age 39 to defend animal rights.

Founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, she campaigned against seal hunting and animal testing, channeling her passion into advocacy.

Her bold move from screen siren to activist surprised many, but reflects her commitment to living authentically.

Based in Saint-Tropez, Bardot leads a calmer life, far from the spotlight.

She remained a symbol of 1960s glamor and a pioneer for animal rights.

Bardot’s reputation was damaged in her later years, when she made homophobic slurs and was fined several times for inciting racial hatred.

It’s a scar in the memory of an icon who, at her peak, put the bikini, female desire and French cinema on the map.