On Her 89th Birthday, French Icon Brigitte Bardot Makes a Rare Public Appearance

On her 89th birthday, the legendary French actress and model Brigitte Bardot was seen in public for the first time in years, sparking both surprise and admiration among fans. Bardot, a major figure in the entertainment world and renowned for her timeless beauty and charm, has enjoyed the steadfast support of her husband of 31 years, Bernard d’Ormale, who remains a constant by her side.

The couple’s marriage, a quiet and intimate affair, took place three decades ago in 1992, amid close friends and away from the public eye. News sources have hinted that this cherished movie star, who has endured recent health struggles, secretly wed d’Ormale at the time, leading to a lasting union that has brought stability and support to her life ever since.

Often referred to as the entertainment industry’s eternal “It” girl, Bardot led a fascinating and vibrant life in the limelight. Her captivating performances in numerous films cemented her status as a global superstar and earned her a place among the most admired figures of the 20th century. Renowned for her stunning blonde beauty, she became one of Playboy’s top picks for the prettiest female stars, with the magazine celebrating her as a symbol of elegance and allure. She’s even hailed by several media outlets as the greatest “It” girl of all time, a title that speaks to her influence and lasting legacy.

Beyond her physical appeal, Bardot became well-known for her iconic pout and unmistakable sensuality. Playboy’s list of the sexiest female stars of all time ranks her fourth, a testament not only to her beauty but also to the charisma and self-assuredness she brought to every role. In France, Bardot became one of the most-watched and adored figures, her confidence and allure captivating audiences and making her a household name in her home country and beyond.

While her film career was significant, Bardot eventually found her calling as an impassioned animal rights advocate. Despite her shift from the silver screen to activism, she retained her beloved status, known to fans as “BB.” In her personal life, Bardot’s marriage to Bernard d’Ormale, her partner of more than three decades, and her relationship with her only child have formed the foundation of her private world.

Their wedding was a low-key celebration, held in August of 1992 with only a select few present to witness the union. Media outlets have described the day as one filled with quiet joy. When Bardot and d’Ormale chose to marry in such a private manner, those close to the star remarked that she seemed happier than she had been in years. Friends of the actress, who starred in the classic film Contempt, shared that they hadn’t expected Bardot to marry again after her previous husband passed away. Nevertheless, the couple held their ceremony in a modest wooden chapel in Norway, later moving into Bardot’s luxurious ten-bedroom residence in Saint-Tropez, a place she still calls home.

Since then, Bernard has been an unwavering source of strength and comfort for Bardot, especially during times of health crises. Back in 1992, shortly after their marriage, French media reported an incident that raised concern among Bardot’s fans. According to reports, the beloved star had accidentally overdosed on sedatives. However, Bernard quickly stepped in to calm the worried public, explaining that Brigitte, utterly exhausted, had taken more medication than she intended in an effort to rest. He assured fans that she had recovered within hours and did not require her stomach to be pumped.

A representative from the clinic where she received treatment later confirmed Bernard’s explanation, reinforcing that Bardot was indeed fine after the incident. However, this would not be the last time Bardot faced health challenges. Years later, she encountered another health scare, one that required immediate attention.

Earlier this year, Bardot began experiencing respiratory problems, prompting Bernard to take swift action. Emergency responders arrived at the couple’s home, providing her with oxygen and closely monitoring her condition. Bernard attributed her breathing troubles to a combination of her age and extreme weather conditions, as a heatwave had been affecting much of Europe at the time. The incident also revealed an issue with the air conditioning at their residence, La Madrague, which hadn’t been functioning optimally.

Despite reassurances, some media outlets reported that Bardot had been in intensive care, an assertion the actress herself later refuted. In a handwritten note, she set the record straight, expressing gratitude to her supporters and dismissing the reports as overblown: “I want to reassure everyone. I’m doing well. I was unwell, but the press turned it into a spectacle,” she wrote, addressing her fans and downplaying the severity of her illness.

Recently, Bardot was seen out in public, a rare and cherished sight for her admirers. After dealing with respiratory issues earlier in the year, the star was photographed by paparazzi on her 89th birthday, enjoying a scenic drive in the South of France. For this outing, she traveled in a small white van, moving between her home, La Madrague, and another residence known as La Garigue. Despite the years, Bardot retained her iconic look, with a few wisps of her famous blonde hair visible around her face, which was partially hidden by large sunglasses.

This sighting came just months after emergency responders had been called to assist with her respiratory difficulties, marking her first appearance in public in several years. For fans around the world, seeing Bardot once again brought back memories of her many roles on screen and her tireless commitment to animal rights. As one of France’s most cherished icons, Bardot’s enduring grace and resilience have left an indelible mark on popular culture, both in her home country and beyond.

With the love and care of her husband, Brigitte Bardot has faced the challenges of aging with her characteristic poise and remains a beloved figure, whose story continues to inspire admiration and respect from fans worldwide.