This Retired Icon Was One of the Sexiest Women of the 20th Century, Secretly Married, & Disappeared for Years

On her 89th birthday, the legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot was seen out in public for the first time in years, creating quite a stir.

Brigitte has been married to her loving husband, Bernard d’Ormale, for 31 years, and they’ve been inseparable. Through all the highs and lows, Bernard has stood by her side, offering his unwavering support.

Earlier this year, Brigitte faced a serious health scare, sparking rumors that the iconic star had secretly married Bernard years ago. Though the media buzzed with speculation, Brigitte’s life has always been one of mystery and glamour.

As one of the entertainment industry’s most famous figures, Brigitte Bardot lived a life full of excitement and attention. She was the ultimate “It” girl, captivating audiences with her beauty and powerful performances on the big screen.

Her blonde hair, stunning looks, and magnetic charm made her one of the most recognizable women of the 20th century. Playboy even ranked her among the prettiest female stars, and other outlets called her the greatest “It” girl of all time.

While her looks grabbed headlines, Brigitte was known for much more. She became famous for her signature pout and confidence, which made her one of the most watched stars in France. Playboy ranked her fourth on their list of the sexiest female stars ever.

In addition to her successful acting career, Brigitte also became a fierce animal rights activist, using her fame to promote causes she cared deeply about. And though she was in the spotlight for much of her life, Brigitte has kept her private life under wraps, including her marriage to Bernard, and her son from a previous relationship.

According to reports, Brigitte and Bernard had a secret wedding in August 1992. Only a few close friends were invited to the ceremony. “She hasn’t been this happy in a long time,” a close friend said, reflecting on how content Brigitte seemed after marrying Bernard.

This secret wedding came as a surprise to many, especially because her friends didn’t think Brigitte would ever marry again after her previous husband passed away. But love found her once more, and she and Bernard exchanged vows in a small, charming wooden chapel in Norway. Since then, they’ve lived in Brigitte’s luxurious ten-bedroom home in Saint-Tropez.

Throughout their long marriage, Bernard has been a source of strength for Brigitte, especially when she faced health problems. In 1992, rumors swirled that Brigitte had overdosed on sedatives. But Bernard quickly stepped in to calm the public. “Brigitte was just exhausted and took too much medicine to help her sleep,” he explained. “She was fine after a few hours, and her stomach didn’t need to be pumped.”

The clinic confirmed Bernard’s statement, putting fans’ worries to rest. However, that wasn’t the only health scare Brigitte had to endure. Earlier this year, she experienced serious breathing issues, and Bernard once again was by her side. Emergency responders arrived quickly, gave Brigitte oxygen, and stayed to ensure she was stable.

Bernard later explained that her breathing troubles were likely caused by her age and the intense heatwave affecting Europe at the time. The air conditioning at their home in La Madrague wasn’t working properly, which made the situation worse.

At one point, the media reported that Brigitte had been admitted to intensive care, but she quickly corrected the rumors herself. In a handwritten note, she reassured her fans, saying, “I would like to reassure everyone. I am doing excellently. I was sick, and the press made a big deal out of it.”

Then, in a rare public appearance, Brigitte was spotted out for a drive on her 89th birthday. Paparazzi captured the moment as she traveled from her La Madrague house to her other home, La Garigue, in a small white van. Her famous blonde hair, now tied back, framed her face with just a few loose strands. She wore large sunglasses to shield her eyes from the bright sun.

This sighting came just a few months after emergency personnel had rushed to her aid for her respiratory problems, and it had been years since the public had seen her out and about. Fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the iconic actress, still full of grace and charm as she celebrated another milestone birthday.