From ugly duckling to sex symbol: little-known facts about the legendary Brigitte Bardot
Struggles with insecurity, suicide attempts, and more
Just days before the end of the year, the world was shaken by sad news: Brigitte Bardot, one of the most iconic actresses of the 20th century, passed away at the age of 90.
She will forever remain an icon of the 1950s and 1960s – an actress, model, singer, and a woman who fundamentally changed perceptions of female beauty. Global fame came with Roger Vadim’s film And God Created Woman, after which Bardot appeared in more than fifty films. She later chose to walk away from the spotlight to devote her life to animal welfare.
Brigitte Bardot left behind not just films and unforgettable images, but an entire era – along with a powerful reminder that behind beauty and fame often lies a complex and painful personal story. In tribute to this cultural icon, we revisit some lesser-known facts from her life.
From Insecurity to Magazine Covers
«There is no harder job than looking beautiful from morning till night», the actress once admitted. As a child, Bardot was deeply insecure about her appearance: she wore glasses due to strabismus and braces on her teeth, enduring constant teasing.
Her mother enrolled her in ballet to help her feel at ease in her own body – and it worked. By the age of 15, Bardot was already modeling for fashion magazines, and in 1949 she appeared on the cover of Elle.
The Hairstyle That Conquered Europe
The legendary «babette» hairstyle – a voluminous teased updo – was created by stylist Jacques Dessange during the filming of Babette Goes to War. After the premiere, women across Europe rushed to copy the look, which Bardot soon made her signature.
She also popularized hairbands, turning them into a fashion staple.
The Bardot Style
Brigitte Bardot’s name became synonymous with French fashion allure. Bare shoulders, strapless dresses, corsair trousers, and gingham prints are all inseparably linked to her image. Strapless dresses even acquired a name of their own – «Bardot tops».
Fame That Nearly Broke Her
Yet behind the image of the beloved movie star and most desired woman of her time lay a profound inner struggle.
At the height of her fame, Bardot suffered from severe depression and attempted suicide several times. In an autobiographical film, she confessed: «I tried to take my own life, and a miracle saved me».
She never specified what she considered that miracle to be, but emphasized that depression followed her throughout her life: «Every morning I wake up already feeling unwell».
In her 1998 autobiography, Bardot also wrote openly about her suicide attempts and struggles with alcohol. She admitted that during her acting years she could drink up to two bottles of champagne and three bottles of wine a day in an attempt to cope with anxiety and pressure.
Life After Cinema – for the Sake of Animals
In 1973, the renowned French star gave up her film career to dedicate herself entirely to animal rights. To establish her foundation, Brigitte Bardot sold property, jewelry, and sentimental gifts from the men in her life.
«I gave men my beauty and my youth. Now I give animals my wisdom and experience – the best I have», she once said.
Photo: @brigittebardotpage
