Brigitte Bardot, famed for a career in film and entertainment that spanned more than two decades, was dashed to hospital in Toulon, France with a “serious illness”

Brigitte Bardot, the film legend an animal rights activist, is recovering from an illness (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Iconic actress Brigitte Bardot is now recovering at home following her stay in hospital with a “serious illness”.

The movie star, 91, is thought to have had surgery after she was rushed to the private hospital in Toulon, France this month. Now, it has emerged the actress – one of the best known symbols of the sexual revolution in the late 1950s to early 1970s – is well enough to have been discharged from hospital. The mum of one is now resting at home in Saint-Tropez, southern France, following the operation.

The actress thanked staff and the surgical team at the Saint-Jean Private Hospital in Toulon, Bardot’s representative has told respected French news agency AFP. The update is likely to offer hope to fans, who expressed concern on social media for Ms Bardot’s health. One had posted on X: “God bless her. She’s one of my favourite people.” Another shared: “Madame Bardot, all my heart is with you.”

Ms Bardot, born in Paris in 1934, enjoyed a career of many years in the spotlight. However, in recent years the star has taken somewhat of a step away from public life and is rarely seen out in public.

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But Ms Bardot became world famous in the 1950s and ’60s for her free-spirited performances in movies such as And God Created Woman. As a singer, she also released several records during that time. She stopped acting in the 1970s, permanently moved to the French Riviera town of Saint-Tropez, and dedicated herself to the animal welfare cause through a foundation in her name.

However, in July 2023, she suffered from severe breathing difficulties, prompting emergency services to rush to her home in Saint-Tropez. At the time her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, confirmed the incident, revealing that there was initially some confusion as the emergency services were given the wrong address.

But the actress overcame this health scare and this week’s one, for which she needed an operation. Her representatives have not disclosed the exact nature of the problem.

Ms Bardot was a mere 15 when she shot to fame after gracing the cover of Elle, which led to an acting offer for the film Les Lauriers sont coupés. In 1957, she gained global recognition for her role in And God Created Woman and became the subject of philosopher Simon de Beauvoir’s essay The Lolita Syndrome.

The star is also recognised for her performances in The Truth, Le Méprris, Viva Maria!among others. She has also appeared in Voulez-vous danser avec moi?, Les Amours célèbres, and Don Juan 1973 ou Si Don Juan était une femme….

In 1973, she bid farewell to the entertainment industry after starring in 47 films, recording 60 songs and performing in several musicals.

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