On her 89th birthday, French icon Brigitte Bardot was seen in public for the first time in quite a while.
The legendary actress has shared more than three decades of marriage with her devoted husband, Bernard d’Ormale, who remains constantly by her side.
Earlier this year, media outlets reported that the film star had experienced a health scare. Some reports also revisited the fact that she and Bernard had quietly married in 1992, choosing to keep their ceremony private.
Once considered the ultimate “It” girl of the entertainment world, Bardot lived a vibrant and highly public life. Her performances in numerous films made her an international sensation, admired for both her talent and striking beauty.
Playboy ranked her among the most beautiful women of the 20th century, placing her fourth on its list of the sexiest female stars. Other publications have even described her as the greatest “It” girl of all time. Beyond her looks — including her famously pouty lips — she became one of the most photographed and talked-about stars in France, known for her confidence and magnetic presence.
Outside of acting, Bardot built a powerful legacy as an animal rights activist. In her personal life, she has one child and has been married to Bernard d’Ormale for 31 years.
The couple wed discreetly in August 1992 in a small ceremony attended by only a handful of close friends. At the time, many acquaintances doubted she would ever remarry following her previous relationships. However, the pair exchanged vows in an intimate wooden chapel in Norway and later settled into her well-known Saint-Tropez home.
Throughout the years, Bernard has been her steady support, particularly during difficult health moments. In 1992, when reports surfaced that Bardot had overdosed on medication, Bernard clarified that she had simply taken too many sleeping pills out of exhaustion. According to him, she recovered within hours and did not require serious medical intervention — a statement later supported by clinic representatives.
More recently, Bardot faced another health concern when she experienced breathing difficulties earlier this year. Emergency responders quickly provided oxygen and monitored her condition. Bernard attributed the episode to her age and the intense European heatwave at the time, noting that the air conditioning at their home was not functioning properly.
Although some outlets suggested she had been admitted to intensive care, Bardot personally addressed the rumors in a handwritten message, reassuring fans that she was doing well and that the situation had been exaggerated.
A few months after that scare, Bardot was photographed during a rare public outing on her 89th birthday. Paparazzi captured her riding in a small white van in the South of France, traveling between her properties. Her hair was pulled back, with a few loose blonde strands framing her face, and she wore oversized sunglasses to shield her eyes from the sun.
The sighting marked her first public appearance in years and offered a reassuring glimpse of the beloved star following her recent health challenges.
