Brigitte Bardot's complicated legacy, from film icon to far-right activism

By Elizabeth Blair

Published December 28, 2025 at 5:26 PM EST

French film star Brigitte Bardot left acting at her peak, devoting herself to animal rights while drawing criticism for her politics.

Elizabeth Blair

Elizabeth Blair is a Peabody Award-winning senior producer/reporter on the Arts Desk of NPR News.

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