Full Breakdown
Brigitte Bardot Reflects on Life, Struggles, and Animal Activism in Upcoming Documentary
12/3/2025, 3:06:28 PM
Dark Chapters of Life and Mental Health Struggles
Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress and singer, has opened up about her struggles with depression and multiple suicide attempts in a new documentary titled *Bardot*. At 91, she recalls these dark periods, stating, “I was taking my own life and I was saved by a miracle.” Bardot has documented at least two suicide attempts in her youth, attributing her ongoing sadness to the pressures of fame and her reputation as a sex symbol. “Every morning I wake up and I am sad,” she expressed, highlighting the loneliness that accompanied her celebrity status.
Career Highlights and Cultural Impact
Bardot rose to fame in the 1950s, becoming a symbol of sexual liberation and earning the nickname "sex kitten." She starred in over 45 films and recorded more than 70 songs before retiring from acting in the early 1970s. Her breakthrough came with the film *And God Created Woman* in 1956, which became the highest-grossing foreign film in the U.S. at the time. Despite facing significant backlash, including condemnation from the Vatican and protests from religious groups, Bardot's controversial image only fueled public interest in her work.
Shift to Animal Activism
After retiring from acting, Bardot redirected her focus toward animal rights, founding the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. She has expressed a desire to be remembered for her advocacy for animals rather than her film career. In the documentary, she stated, “What I would really like is for people to remember the respect we owe to animals.” Bardot's commitment to animal activism has been a significant part of her identity in recent decades.
Personal Life and Relationships
Bardot's personal life has been marked by four marriages and numerous high-profile relationships. She has a son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, whom she described as a "cancerous tumour" during her pregnancy, reflecting her struggles with motherhood. Bardot admitted, “I’m not made to be a mother,” acknowledging her inability to care for a child despite her love for animals and children. Her relationships have often been characterized by a search for passion, leading to infidelity and a series of brief romances.
Official Statements & Responses
The documentary, which Bardot narrates, is described as an "intimate look" at her life and has received her full support. Director Alain Berliner emphasized Bardot's mysterious nature and her candidness during the film's production, aiming to present her story without an external narrator.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'Every morning I wake up and I am sad,' she said.” — Brigitte Bardot
- “What I would really like is for people to remember the respect we owe to animals,' she said, according to The Times.” — Brigitte Bardot
- “Bardot became one of the most famous French postwar film stars; pictured on the set of Vie privée Speaking about motherhood she said: 'I'm not made to be a mother.” — Brigitte Bardot
What's Next
*Bardot* is set to be released in French theaters on December 3, 2023, promising to provide a deeper understanding of the life and struggles of one of France's most enduring cultural icons.
