Brigitte Bardot was the sultry film siren who helped ignite a sexual revolution, a woman whose cultural significance extended beyond her acting career. The French star, who has died aged 91, came to embody a new kind of female sexuality on screen that was bold and unapologetic. Image: Brigitte Bardot at a London Hotel for a photocall in 1959. Pic: PA She was so famous that she became known simply by her initials. Emmanuel Macron said Bardot “embodied a life of freedom”. Image: Brigitte Bardot pictured in 1959. Pic: Sam Levin/Regie Du Film/Del Duca/Kobal/Shutterstock Image: 1963 film Le Mepris (Contempt). Pic: Everett/Shutterstock Paying tribute, the French president said: “Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne” – referring to the national symbol of France. “French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century.” Brigitte Bardot dies: Latest reaction Image: An 18-year-old Bardot pictured in 1952 in Cannes. Pic: Bob Hawkins/Kobal/Shutterstock Image: Bardot in the 1960s. Pic: Everett/Shutterstock …