Brigitte Bardot was one of the most popular and sought-after icons in cinema during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. However, at the peak of her acting career, the icon chose to walk away from the world of glitz and glamour for activism and standing up for what she believed in most. Today’s quote emphasises understanding that priorities and necessities in life can change with time; however, it is up to you where and how you wish to spend your energy.The quote from the beloved icon, Brigitte Bardot, reads, “I gave my beauty and my youth to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals.”
What does the quote from Brigitte Bardot mean?
Bardot’s words are essentially about understanding that with time, your perspective on things and your prioroties can essentially change. (YouTube)
Bardot shared these words in June 1987 while reflecting on her transition from acting to full-time animal rights activism. While talking to the Illustrated London News, she opened up about becoming an animal rights activist and leaving her acting days behind.The French actress had commented on the changing paradigms of life and how opinions and priorities can change with time and a better and more seasoned understanding of the world. The star once dominated the 950s and 60s cinema, with one of her best and most well-known roles being ‘And God Created Woman.’ In her youth, she had become an icon in the industry and was best known for her youthful and graceful looks. However, with time, her priorities changed, and she started putting her focus and energy into other things.The quote mentions that her youthful years were consumed by public consumption, the male gaze, and celebrity culture. However, she redefined her later years, when she had gained a lot of experience in her life and opened her world to new possibilities and opportunities that redefined who she was as a person.Bardot’s quote is a call to action; it is a way to understand that your life is in your hands, and while you are young, there can be times when it can be defined by external factors; however, with time, you grow better at understanding what works for you and what does not.
About Brigette Bardot’s early life and entry into the entertainment industry
Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born on September 28, 1934, in Paris, France. Her father used to work as an industrialist, while her mother was a homemaker. She often shared that her childhood was filled with strict punishments and rules, which affected her well into her adulthood. Initially, the actress wanted to pursue a career in ballet and even trained under Russian choreographer Boris Knyazev in her early years.Her life, however, took a major turn in 1949, when she was hired as a junior fashion model by one of the most popular fashion magazines at the time. Bardot appeared on the cover of the magazine when she was only 15 years old, making her one of the youngest models working for the magazine at the time. While her parents would often object to her developing a career in modelling, Bardot continued to do so, and after a while she also started trying out for screen tests and auditions for films and other projects.
Brigette Bardot was at the peak of her career when she stepped away from it all to start her own animal rights foundation. (YouTube)
Her film debut came in 1952 with ‘Le Trou normand,’ after which she also starred in projects like ‘Manina, la fille sans voile,’ ‘Act of Love,’ ‘Helen of Troy,’ ‘Caroline and the Rebels,’ and ‘Royal Affairs in Versailles,’ to name a few. It was with the release of ‘And God Created Woman’ that she turned into an international sensation for her portrayal of Juliette Hardy. Some of her other successful films included ‘Babette Goes to War,’ ‘A Woman Like Satan,’ and ‘In Case of Adversity.’
Brigette Bardot’s transition into activism
When she was 39 years old, the French icon left the film industry and started her own foundation to help animals in need. At the peak of her career, she shifted gears and set her priorities straight, rather than putting up with the comfortable bubble that she had become a part of. Soon after she filmed her final movie, ‘L’histoire très bonne et très joyeuse de Colinot trousse-chemise,’ Bardot announced that she was tired of public scrutiny and judgement, along with many other things, and that she no longer wanted to be in the acting industry.After her retirement as an actress, she reportedly travelled all the way to the Canadian Arctic to protest the commercial hunting of harp seal pups. She made headlines again after photos of her from the protest site were shared online. Slowly, she solidified her vision to start an animal rights foundation, which even prompted her to sell her own jewellery and memorabilia in order to raise the funds. It was around 1987 and 1988 that she officially launched her animal rights organisation to fight animal cruelty globally.
