The legendary French actress, Brigitte Bardot, experienced a worrisome episode as she encountered difficulty breathing at her residence in Saint-Tropez. Bernard d’Ormale, Bardot’s husband, confirmed the incident and shed light on what occurred. Emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene, although there was a slight delay due to confusion about the address.
According to Bernard, the scare happened around 9 a.m. Bardot’s breathing became unusually strained, but thankfully, she remained conscious throughout. He humorously referred to it as a “moment of respiratory distraction.” The emergency services quickly acted, providing Bardot, now 88 years old, with oxygen and ensuring her well-being.
A Heat-Fueled Incident
Bernard emphasized that Bardot, like many people her age, struggles with extreme heat. He explained, “She can no longer bear the heat. It happens at 88 years old. She must not make useless efforts.” Heat intolerance is a common challenge faced by elderly individuals and can sometimes result in discomfort and health issues.
MailOnline has reached out to Bardot’s spokesperson for further updates on her condition. Bardot, known for her mesmerizing performances in 47 films, decided to step away from the movie industry in 1973. However, her impact as an actress extends far beyond her time in the spotlight.
Bardot’s Journey: From Dancer to Icon
Born and raised in Paris, Bardot initially pursued a career as a ballerina. However, fate had a different plan for her as she ventured into the world of fashion modeling and acting. At the young age of 15, Bardot caught the attention of many when she graced the cover of Elle magazine in 1950. This pivotal moment launched her acting career and opened doors to tremendous opportunities.
Exploring Stardom and Personal Life
Bardot’s talent propelled her to stardom when she portrayed a sexually liberated young woman in the 1956 film “And God Created Woman.” Her performance captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as an international sex symbol. Throughout her career, Bardot worked alongside her first husband, filmmaker Roger Vadim, in several projects, including the 1958 movie “The Night Heaven Fell.”
After the end of her marriage with Vadim, Bardot remarried twice, first to Jacques Charrier in 1959 and then to Bernard d’Ormale in 1992. Bardot and Charrier had a son named Nicolas before their separation in 1962. Her focus shifted to animal protection after retiring from acting, leading her to establish the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986.
Bardot’s Animal Rights Advocacy and Battles
For over three decades, Bardot has dedicated herself to the protection of animals through her foundation. The organization originated in Saint-Tropez, on the beautiful French Riviera, where Bardot found inspiration and comfort.
Over the years, Bardot’s advocacy has not been without controversy. She has faced fines on multiple occasions for her writings about animal abuse, often leading to accusations of inciting racial hatred. In 2019, Bardot sparked a heated debate when she criticized the treatment of animals in La Reunion, one of France’s overseas territories.
Standing Up for Animal Welfare
Bardot’s strong stance against animal suffering has not been without consequences. Her unwavering dedication has led to legal battles and fines. In 2021, a French court imposed a €20,000 fine on Bardot for her comments about the inhabitants of La Reunion. Despite the legal challenges, Bardot remains resolute in her fight for animal rights.
During court appearances, Bardot has faced fines and mandatory apologies for her contentious statements. Her association with controversial figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of the far-right National Front party, has also drawn attention.
Bardot’s Legacy: An Actress Turned Animal Rights Crusader
Brigitte Bardot bid farewell to her acting career in 1973 and shifted her focus and energy towards animal advocacy. Today, she runs an animal sanctuary in the idyllic resort town of St Tropez, where she once rose to stardom.
Hope and Strength for Bardot
As Brigitte Bardot receives medical care and regains her strength after the breathing incident at her home, her fans and admirers send her heartfelt wishes and support. Her indomitable spirit and commitment to the welfare of animals continue to inspire others. Bardot’s journey, from a young aspiring ballerina to an international icon and animal rights crusader, remains a testament to her resilience and enduring legacy.
