Legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91

Brigitte Bardot has died aged 91

Best known as one of the great sex symbols of the mid-20th century, Bardot's later life was characterised by her decision to quit acting altogether to instead become an animal rights activist.

News of Bardot's death was made public by Agence France-Presse on Sunday.

As part of their coverage, the French outlet provided the following statement: “The Brigitte Bardot foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation.”

No information detailing the time or place of Brigitte's death have yet been revealed in French reports.

Bardot rose to fame in the 1956 after starring in And God Created Woman, a film directed by her husband Roger Vadium.

The actress went on to appear on-screen in 55 other films before eventually retiring from the craft in the 1970s, to pursue her aims as an animal rights activist.