Brigitte Bardot, Star of ‘And God Created Women’ and ‘Contempt,’ Dies at 91

Key Highlights

• Bardot died Sunday at her home in southern France, according to Bruno Jacquelin of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals, who confirmed the news to The Associated Press.
• No cause of death was provided, and arrangements for funeral or memorial services have not yet been announced.
• She had been hospitalized last month.
• In the 1950s Bardot ignited an international zeal for boldly sexual European movies, often directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim, such as “And God Created Woman.” Related Stories Curt Menefee Will Stick to Fox Sports, Exits Role at 'Good Day New York' Though Bardot’s reign as a major box office draw was relatively brief, and she retired from films in the early ’70s, her influence was far-reaching: She made youthful, pouty, nubile blondes a staple in cinema, particularly in American movies, as opposed to a more mature, womanly blonde like Marilyn Monroe.
• Between Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, the rage for youth in female sexuality became entrenched in movies — and all media — and has never subsided.