Cause of Brigitte Bardot’s Death Revealed: The Legendary Icon Dies at Age 91

Brigitte Bardot passed away at 91 on December 28 at La Madrague, her home in Saint-Tropez. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, later shared that she had been diagnosed with cancer. She underwent two surgeries and struggled with severe back pain. He stayed by her side with the help of discreet nurses. She died peacefully.

Daily moments that mattered

D’Ormale described a calm routine in her final days. Each morning he brought the breakfast she loved. In the afternoon she enjoyed tea with milk and a croissant. On the morning she died, he heard her whisper “Pioupiou,” their private nickname. Then she was gone. He said peace settled on her face and she looked beautiful, almost ageless.

A private farewell in Saint-Tropez

A private funeral took place at Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Saint-Tropez. After the service, Bardot was buried in strict privacy at a cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The town paid tribute to her life there. For more than 50 years, she chose Saint-Tropez as her refuge and home.

From model to international star

Bardot began as a teenage model and appeared on the cover of Elle at 15. She soon moved into film. Early roles included Crazy for Love (1952), The Girl in the Bikini (1952), and later Dear Brigitte (1965) with James Stewart. In 1956 she rose to global fame with And God Created Woman. That film helped define a new image of French cinema. It made her a symbol of style and freedom for a generation.

A bold decision to retire

At the peak of her fame, Bardot chose a different path. In 1973, at age 39, she retired from acting. She did not step into another spotlight. Instead, she focused on causes that mattered to her.

A second life as an animal advocate

In 1986, Bardot founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals. She used her name and energy to fight cruelty, support rescue work, and raise public awareness. This became her new mission. It lasted for decades and shaped how many people remember her today.

A complex public figure

Bardot’s legacy is not simple. She drew admiration for her work on screen and for animals. She also faced criticism and legal troubles over later political statements. These debates followed her for many years. They are part of how the world discusses her now. Even so, her impact on film style and pop culture remains clear.

The meaning of her final routine

The details her husband shared—breakfast, tea, a quiet nickname—show a gentler side. They suggest comfort, care, and trust. They also fit her long preference for private life. Her funeral and burial, both very discreet, honored that wish.

How people will remember her

Bardot changed the look and mood of European cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. She then spent decades helping animals through her foundation. She also lived a very private life in Saint-Tropez. Locals saw her not only as a star but as a neighbor who chose their town and stayed.

A clear summary

• Date of death: December 28, age 91

• Place: La Madrague, Saint-Tropez

• Illness: Cancer, with two surgeries and severe back pain

• Funeral: Private service in Saint-Tropez and a private burial by the sea

• Career: Model, actress, global icon, then animal-rights advocate

• Legacy: Cultural influence, long activism, and public controversy

Final thought

Brigitte Bardot built two strong legacies: one in film, one in animal welfare. Her last days were quiet and close to home. Her husband’s memory of a single word—“Pioupiou”—captures that tone. It was a small, human moment at the end of a very public life.