Brigitte Bardot recovering from a 'serious' mystery illness and recent surgery

Iconic French film star Brigitte Bardot was recently hospitalized with an unknown illness and is recovering at home.

Brigitte had a minor surgery and is now resting at her home in Saint-Tropez in the south of France, according to a report from French news agency AFP via Reuters. The actress also thanked the staff and surgical team at the Saint-Jean Private Hospital in Toulon.

According to the French newspaper Var-Matin, via Us Weekly, Brigitte underwent surgery related to a “serious illness” and was in a reported “worrying” state according to sources speaking with the French outlet.

The now 91-year-old Brigitte previously had respiratory issues in July 2023 during a heat wave.

“[Her breathing] was stronger than usual but she did not lose consciousness,” her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, told Var-Matin at the time, per Us Weekly. “Let’s call it a moment of respiratory distraction.”

He added, “Like all people of a certain age, she can no longer bear the heat. It happens at 88 years old. She must not make useless efforts.”

Brigitte began acting at age 17 and became internationally famous for her 1956 film “And God Created Woman.” She faced controversy for the film’s sexual content, and was even condemned by the Vatican as “evil” at one point.

She also was a singer, releasing four studio albums in the 1960s.

In the 1970s, Brigitte opted to retire from acting at age 39 as "a way to get out elegantly,” as she is reported to have said.