At 90 years old, French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot continues her passionate fight against hunting, a cause she has championed for decades. In a candid interview with BFMTV on March 26, 2025, Bardot expressed her feelings about life, death, and her enduring commitment to animal rights. "I consider myself very lucky," she stated, attributing her resilience to her fiery temperament. "It’s difficult to bring me down!"
Bardot's foundation recently released a poll indicating a growing skepticism among the French public towards hunting, reflecting a shift in attitudes that she hopes will lead to significant change. "From 1 PM to 6 PM, I work for my foundation, reading my mail and doing important things concerning animals. Every day!" she emphasized, showing her unwavering dedication despite her age.
Living in La Madrague, her beloved home in Saint-Tropez since 1958, Bardot spends her mornings in a routine that resembles that of many women at home, tending to her household and her pets. "I reserve the mornings for myself," she explained, indicating that she enjoys listening to classical music and reading. She mentioned her fondness for authors like Christian Signol and Bernard Clavel, as well as Italian novels translated into French, which she finds captivating.
However, Bardot's life has not been without its challenges. In 2023, she faced serious health issues, including respiratory distress, which raised concerns about her well-being. Thankfully, she has since recovered and remains active in her advocacy work. Yet, despite her robust spirit, Bardot candidly admitted that she struggles to find happiness amidst the suffering of animals. "How can I be happy with the animals that are killed and mistreated?" she questioned, highlighting the emotional toll her activism takes on her.
As she approaches her 91st birthday in September, Bardot reflects on her life, particularly the profound impact of loss. The death of her long-time friend, actor Alain Delon, in August 2024, has left her feeling increasingly isolated. "You’re never relieved by the death of a friend. I am very, very sad. I miss him a lot. We were on the same wavelength," she shared, revealing the depth of her grief.
Bardot's poignant remarks about her loneliness resonate deeply. "I think about him all the time. I have no one left. They have all gone," she lamented, conveying a sense of profound solitude that has accompanied her through her later years. Despite her struggles, she maintains a unique perspective on death, stating, "I don’t think about it much. But it has accompanied me throughout my life. The current life makes death seem extraordinary. I’m not afraid of disappearing; on the contrary!"
As Bardot continues her fight for animal rights, she remains a significant figure in France, not only for her past as a film star but for her ongoing activism. The film that brought her fame, Et Dieu créa la femme, will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026, a milestone that still surprises her. "I never thought that because of and thanks to this film, I would have such popularity," she reflected with a hint of humor.
In the face of adversity and the passage of time, Bardot's spirit remains unyielding. Her commitment to animal welfare, coupled with her reflections on life and loss, paints a picture of a woman who, despite the challenges she faces, continues to advocate passionately for those who cannot speak for themselves. As she moves forward, Bardot’s journey serves as a reminder of the enduring power of compassion and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
