Brigitte Bardot, whose portrayals of free-spirited ingenues made her an international sex symbol and the pride of France, and who turned her back on movie stardom in 1973 to become an animal rights activist, has died at 91.

Bruno Jacquelin, of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals, told The Associated Press that she died at her home in southern France.

In a statement, the foundation paid tribute to "a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare."