• Brigitte Bardot, renowned French actress, died at 91, as confirmed by her foundation.
• She retired from acting to devote herself to animal rights and founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation.
• Bardot was a controversial figure due to her far-right political views and multiple convictions for hate speech.
• Tributes reflect a split in opinion among French politicians regarding her legacy.

Brigitte Bardot, a cinema icon known for her roles in films like And God Created Woman, died on Sunday at the age of 91, as announced by her foundation. The statement expressed "immense sadness" over the loss of Bardot, who transitioned from a celebrated career in filmmaking to become a passionate animal rights activist. Bardot's foundation confirmed that she had spent limited time in public recently and was hospitalized in October prior to her passing, although specific details around her death were not disclosed, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

Born on September 28, 1934, Bardot reached global stardom in the 1950s and ultimately starred in about 50 films before retiring in 1973. Following her retirement, she became dedicated to animal welfare, a commitment ignited by an encounter with a goat on a film set. Her foundation aimed to advocate for animal rights, which she prioritized over her film career, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.

Despite her celebrated past, Bardot's later life was marred by controversy stemming from her far-right political views and multiple convictions for hate speech. This polarization has resulted in a divided reaction among French politicians following her death. While some right-wing figures praised her legacy, left-wing representatives expressed more critical sentiments, reflecting her complex impact on French society, as noted by CBS News.

In her later years, Bardot expressed a desire for a simple burial in her garden, avoiding large gatherings. This preference, along with her life trajectory from a film star to an animal rights advocate, continues to generate discussion regarding her legacy and the societal implications of her views, according to SCMP and CBS News.