Bardot appeared on screen for the first time as Javotte Lemoine in Crazy for Love in 1952 and made her first American production in Act of Love with Kirk Douglas in 1953. But it wasn’t until she landed a role in the 1956 film And God Created Women that she created her famous ‘sex kitten’ persona. The film was considered controversial in America, but it helped Bardot redefine the image of the modern woman.

“I’m a girl from a good family who was very well brought up. One day I turned my back on it all and became a bohemian,” she once said.

Bardot retired from acting at the age of 39, while still being a major star. This decision confused many, but she had her reasons.

“The majority of great actresses met tragic ends. When I said goodbye to this job, to this life of opulence and glitter, images and adoration, the quest to be desired, I was saving my life,” Bardot told The Guardian.

“In the beginning, I enjoyed having people talking about me, but very quickly, it suffocated and destroyed me. Throughout my 20 years starring in movies, each time filming began, I would break out with herpes.”

Sadly, the former model and actress experienced health issues recently. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, spoke to the media and confirmed the health scare Bardot suffered.

“It was around 9 a.m. when Brigitte had trouble breathing,” d’Ormale said. “It was harder than usual but she didn’t lose consciousness. Let’s call it a moment of respiratory distraction.”

He explained, “The firefighters arrived, gave her oxygen to breathe and stayed for a moment to watch her.”

The reason why Bardot felt unwell was the heat. “Like all people of a certain age, she can no longer bear the heat,” her husband said. “It happens at 88, she must not make unnecessary efforts,” he continued. “Her pulse is fine, her heart too and her blood pressure is good, but things remain fragile.”

He added that the air-conditioning in their home isn’t strong enough.

We truly hope Brigitte won’t be experiencing any health struggles in the future.

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