The international screen siren and one of Europe’s most enduring cultural icons has reportedly been hospitalized, sparking fresh concern across the globe.
On October 16, 2025, it was revealed that Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress and animal rights crusader, had been rushed to a clinic in Toulon after falling sick at her beloved home in Saint-Tropez. The 91-year-old icon remains under medical supervision.
Brigitte Bardot during a studio portrait, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
Undergoing an Alleged Operation
According to French outlet Nice-Matin, Bardot has been battling a “serious illness,” though no further information was made public. It is believed she underwent surgery and has been at the hospital for three weeks in recovery.
Doctors are said to be monitoring her closely, though the exact nature of her illness has not been disclosed. The Daily Mail reached out to Bardot’s representatives for comment, but no official statement has been given at this time.
Brigitte Bardot supports an Animals Care Associations Demonstration on March 24, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
This latest hospitalization has revived concerns about her long-term well-being, especially given previous health scares.
Past Breathing Problem Resurfaces Amid Current Crisis
In July 2023, paramedics were called to Bardot’s Saint-Tropez estate after she experienced a respiratory struggle due to extreme heat.
Brigitte Bardot arrives in St. Peter’s Square for an audience with Pope John Paul II on September 27, 1995, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images
Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, recounted the incident in a public statement:
“It was around 9 a.m. when Brigitte had trouble breathing. [Her breathing] was stronger than usual, but she did not lose consciousness. Let’s call it a moment of respiratory distraction.”
Brigitte Bardot and Bernard d’Ormale at the funeral of Roger Vadim on February 18, 2000, in Saint Tropez | Source: Getty Images
Medical staff remained at the home for a time after administering oxygen, and Bardot eventually recovered. D’Ormale, who has been married to the actress since 1992, commented that elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to the harsh summer conditions in the South of France.
Now, just two years later, the couple is once again facing uncertainty, and everyone is anxiously watching for updates.
Brigitte Bardot at a demo against Fur on December 20, 1997, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Bardot’s Meteoric Rise to Fame
Born on September 28, 1934, Brigitte Bardot was raised in a working-class family. Her mother, recognizing early talent, encouraged her to take music and dance lessons. By the age of 15, she was already modeling and appearing in Elle Magazine.
She made her big screen debut in 1952 in the French films “Crazy for Love” and “The Girl in the Bikini,” and by 1953, she had crossed into the American market with “Act of Love,” starring Kirk Douglas.
The film poster for the US release of “The Girl in the Bikini,” starring Brigitte Bardot, in 1952 | Source: Getty Images
Bardot’s allure only grew, with roles in “His Father’s Portrait,” “Royal Affairs in Versailles,” “Concert of Intrigue,” “Caroline and the Rebels,” and many others cementing her reputation both at home and abroad.
Her unique combination of beauty and sensuality made her an instant favorite in the U.S., and her image began gracing magazine covers around the world. She earned the nickname “sex kitten,” and her films helped push French cinema further into the American mainstream.
Brigitte Bardot in a portrait featured on the “Postcard ‘900,” date unknown | Source: Getty Images
A Final Curtain Call, Followed by a New Purpose
Though her movie “And God Created Woman” (1956) was heavily censored, it became the highest-grossing foreign film in the United States at the time. Yet, despite her massive success, Bardot walked away from acting in 1973, shortly before her 40th birthday.
Brigitte Bardot in a portrait for the film “And God Created Woman,” circa 1955 | Source: Getty Images
Her final role was in “The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot,” after which she made the shocking decision to retire completely. She had grown weary of fame, especially because she was often chased by photographers and fans.
Therefore, she redirected her energy into animal rights activism, creating the Foundation Brigitte Bardot, which continues to advocate for the welfare and protection of animals worldwide.
Brigitte Bardot visits her dog refuge “The Nice Dogs” of Carnoules on October 7, 2001, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
In addition to her public career, Bardot’s private life was also varied. Before d’Ormale, she had three husbands: Roger Vadim (1953–1957), Jacques Charrier (1959–1963), and Gunter Sachs (1966–1969).
Brigitte Bardot and her husband Gunter Sachs, circa 1960 in France | Source: Getty Images
Now, as she remains under observation in a clinic, the world is holding its breath, hoping for good news from the South of France about a woman whose impact on cinema and culture is truly unforgettable.
