Brigitte Bardot, the internationally celebrated screen icon and one of Europe’s most enduring cultural figures, has been hospitalized, sparking concern around the world. Renowned not only for her illustrious career in cinema but also for her tireless advocacy for animal rights, Bardot’s health has captured widespread media attention. On October 16, 2025, the 91-year-old French actress was urgently admitted to a medical clinic in Toulon after falling ill at her beloved Saint-Tropez home. She remains under close supervision as doctors work to manage her condition.
News of Bardot’s hospitalization has caused alarm among fans globally, many of whom have admired her for decades. According to the French newspaper Nice-Matin, she has been battling a serious illness, though the specifics have not been disclosed. Reports indicate she underwent surgery and has been recovering in the hospital for roughly three weeks. While her progress is being closely monitored, her representatives have not released any official statements. This development has reignited concerns over her long-term health, particularly given her history of prior medical issues.
Bardot previously faced a health scare in July 2023, when extreme heat at her Saint-Tropez estate caused respiratory difficulties. Paramedics administered oxygen on-site, and her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, described the incident as a “moment of respiratory distraction,” noting that older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications in southern France.
Now, two years later, Bardot and her family face renewed uncertainty, with the public eagerly awaiting updates on her condition. Her journey to fame was as remarkable as her enduring influence on cinema and culture. Born on September 28, 1934, in a modest working-class family, Bardot showed early talent in music and dance, encouraged by her mother. By fifteen, she had begun modeling, appearing in Elle magazine and setting the stage for a future in film.
Her cinematic breakthrough came in 1952 with roles in French films such as Crazy for Love and The Girl in the Bikini. Bardot soon crossed over to American cinema, starring alongside Kirk Douglas in Act of Love (1953). She continued to appear in numerous films, including His Father’s Portrait, Royal Affairs in Versailles, Concert of Intrigue, and Caroline and the Rebels, establishing her reputation as a talented and captivating actress internationally.
Bardot’s unique combination of beauty, charisma, and sensuality earned her the nickname “sex kitten,” particularly in the United States. Her work helped introduce French cinema to a global audience, with And God Created Woman (1956) becoming the highest-grossing foreign film in the U.S., despite initial censorship. In 1973, just before her 40th birthday, Bardot retired from acting, weary of the intense media scrutiny. Her final film was The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot.
After leaving cinema, Bardot devoted herself to animal rights activism, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which remains a powerful advocate for animal welfare worldwide. Her personal life has also attracted public attention, including her four marriages: to Roger Vadim (1953–1957), Jacques Charrier (1959–1963), Gunter Sachs (1966–1969), and Bernard d’Ormale (1992–present).
As Bardot continues to receive medical care in Toulon, admirers around the globe remain hopeful for her recovery. Her lasting contributions to film, culture, and humanitarian causes have cemented her status as a true legend, and fans continue to celebrate her strength, resilience, and enduring spirit.