Obituaries - World news, culture and opinion

Alan Greenspan, former Fed chair and champion of market self-regulation, dies 100

The American economist, who led the US central bank for nearly two decades, died Monday, June 22, at the age of 100.

Published on June 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm (Paris) Marie Charrel

Italian historian Carlo Ginzburg, founding figure of microhistory, has died

Through his research on the 16th and 17th-century Inquisition trials in Europe, he initiated a profound upheaval in the field of historical scholarship. He died on June 17 at the age of 87.

Published on June 17, 2026, at 4:37 pm (Paris) Anne Dujin

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French political world bids farewell to former first lady Bernadette Chirac

Business leaders, former ministers and first ladies paid their final respects to Bernadette Chirac on June 12 in Paris.

Published on June 13, 2026, at 12:51 am (Paris), updated on June 13, 2026, at 9:31 am Raphaëlle Bacqué

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France lays to rest former first lady Bernadette Chirac

Bernadette Chirac, who stood by her late husband during 12 years as first lady, but also forged her own, more discreet, political career, died on June 5 at the age of 93.

Published on June 12, 2026, at 12:45 pm (Paris), updated on June 12, 2026, at 2:14 pm Le Monde with AFP

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David Hockney, giant of British painting, dies at the age of 88

Internationally renowned, notably for his painting 'A Bigger Splash' (1967) and his series of pool paintings, the British artist, who lived in Normandy from 2019 to 2023, produced work that straddled pop art and hyperrealism, never hesitating to use new technologies as sources of inspiration. He died on June 11.

Published on June 12, 2026, at 12:00 pm (Paris), updated on June 12, 2026, at 12:36 pm Harry Bellet

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Charlie Dalin, winner of the 2025 Vendée Globe sailing race, dies at 42

The French sailor won the Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race, finishing over nine days and eight hours ahead of the previous record, all while battling cancer for two years. His family announced his death on June 11.

Published on June 11, 2026, at 2:35 pm (Paris) Patricia Jolly

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Death of Bernadette Chirac | A liberated voice: 'I'm like my snakeskin bag: I bite'

During all of ex-president Jacques Chirac's election campaigns, Bernadette Chirac quickly broke with official rhetoric. She passed away on June 5 at the age of 93.

Published on June 6, 2026, at 4:44 pm (Paris) Béatrice Gurrey

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Bernadette Chirac, the wife of ex-president Jacques Chirac, has died

An unfailing supporter of her husband's career, Bernadette Chodron de Courcel became a key figure a French politics. She was elected local councilor, a rare feat for a 'wife of,' and was very involved in charity work. She died at the age of 93.

Published on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 am (Paris), updated on June 8, 2026, at 9:30 am Béatrice Gurrey

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Marjane Satrapi, powerful and outspoken artist who swore to 'stay true to herself'

Famous for her four-part graphic novel 'Persepolis' recounting her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, which she also adapted for the screen, Satrapi was also later involved with the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.

Published on June 5, 2026, at 12:54 pm (Paris), updated on June 5, 2026, at 2:45 pm Roxana Azimi Jacques Mandelbaum Frédéric Potet

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Reactions to Marjane Satrapi's death: 'An immense artist who turned an Iranian childhood into a universal fable'

The French-Iranian artist died in Paris at the age of 56, her family announced on Thursday. Many political and cultural figures paid tribute to her as 'an immense artist' and a woman who 'deeply loved Iran and its people's freedom.'

Published on June 4, 2026, at 3:38 pm (Paris), updated on June 4, 2026, at 3:46 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Marjane Satrapi, author of 'Persepolis,' dies at 56

The French-Iranian artist and film director 'died of sadness a little over a year after the death of Mattias Ripa, her husband and the love of her life,' people close to her said.

Published on June 4, 2026, at 10:19 am (Paris), updated on June 4, 2026, at 2:44 pm Le Monde with AFP

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French sociologist, philosopher and intellectual provocateur Edgar Morin has died aged 104

Committed to connecting different fields of knowledge to develop his 'complex thought,' this former member of the Resistance and deeply humanist intellectual advocated for a revolution of consciousness. He died in Paris on Friday, his wife confirmed to Le Monde.

Published on May 30, 2026, at 10:14 am (Paris), updated on May 30, 2026, at 11:47 am Nicolas Truong

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Sonny Rollins, giant of jazz and the saxophone, has died

The creator of some 20 albums that are landmarks in the history of jazz, the former collaborator of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis pioneered a unique form of marathon concert. He died on May 25 at the age of 95.

Published on May 26, 2026, at 12:25 pm (Paris) Francis Marmande

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Ofer Bronchtein, 'Israeli dreamer' of peace who had a Palestinian passport, has died

The French-Israeli dual citizen, who had the ear of President Emmanuel Macron, died on Monday. He spent much of his life fighting for the coexistence of a Palestinian state and Israel, despite the attacks he endured.

Published on May 19, 2026, at 10:45 am (Paris), updated on May 19, 2026, at 10:45 am Claire Gatinois

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Dame Felicity Lott, the most Francophile of British sopranos, dies at 79

Renowned for her performances in Mozart and Richard Strauss, the soprano who adored French mélodie leaves behind moving and witty interpretations.

Published on May 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm (Paris) Marie-Aude Roux

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Pierre-François Veil, who embraced the mission of passing on the memory of the Holocaust, has died

A man of peace and justice, the lawyer and son of Holocaust survivor and French politician Simone Veil believed that knowledge and remembrance are essential safeguards against intolerance and hatred. The youngest son of Simone and Antoine Veil died on Wednesday night aged 72.

Published on May 8, 2026, at 4:20 pm (Paris) Annick Cojean

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Ted Turner, founder of CNN, is dead

The four-time 'Yachtsman of the Year' relished a challenge. When he launched Cable News Network in Atlanta in 1980, few believed the all-news channel would succeed. Also a philanthropist and founder of the United Nations Foundation, Turner died at the age of 87.

Published on May 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 5:05 pm Julien Laroche-Joubert

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Claude Bessy, star dancer and director of Paris Opéra's dance school, dies at 93

Born into a family of artists in 1932, Claude Bessy, who devoted her life to dance and trained several generations of dancers, died in Paris on Thursday, April 23, at the age of 93.

Published on April 24, 2026, at 9:33 pm (Paris), updated on April 25, 2026, at 11:20 am Rosita Boisseau

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Dean Tavoularis, legendary Hollywood production designer for 'The Godfather,' has died

The American, who worked on Francis Ford Coppola films from 'The Godfather' to 'Apocalypse Now,' and collaborated with European directors such as Michelangelo Antonioni, died on April 23 in Paris at the age of 93.

Published on April 24, 2026, at 2:14 pm (Paris), updated on April 25, 2026, at 9:46 am Samuel Blumenfeld

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Nathalie Baye, acclaimed French actress with vast filmography

Throughout her career, Baye intentionally took on a wide range of lead and supporting roles, portraying upper-class women to sex workers in both comedies and romantic dramas. She died on Friday at the age of 77 after a battle with Lewy body disease.

Published on April 20, 2026, at 12:20 pm (Paris) Jean-Luc Douin

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French film star Nathalie Baye dead at 77

Baye, a stalwart of French cinema, starred in some 80 films and took home the Best Actress Cesar. She notably played Leonardo DiCaprio's mother in Steven Spielberg's 'Catch Me if You Can.'

Published on April 18, 2026, at 10:48 am (Paris), updated on April 18, 2026, at 12:55 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Afrika Bambaataa, US hip-hop pioneer, dies at 68

'With his passing, we reflect on his contributions to the genre and broader culture, which continue to this day,' his former label Tommy Boy Records said in tribute.

Published on April 10, 2026, at 7:59 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Lionel Jospin, French Socialist whose presidential ambitions were cut short

A major figure on the socialist left, Jospin held leading roles in French politics: prime minister, education minister, and head of the Socialist Party. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 1995 and 2002. He died at the age of 88.

Published on March 24, 2026, at 4:00 pm (Paris), updated on March 24, 2026, at 9:16 pm Michel Noblecourt

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Lionel Jospin, former French prime minister, dies aged 88

Jospin, a Socialist who introduced the 35-hour work week and civil partnerships for gay couples, was head of government from 1997 to 2002 before losing to the far right in presidential polls.

Published on March 23, 2026, at 9:51 am (Paris), updated on March 23, 2026, at 6:44 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Trump settles scores with former prosecutor Robert Mueller following news of his death

The law expert had been appointed as a special prosecutor in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. 'Good, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer harm innocent people!' commented the American president.

Published on March 22, 2026, at 9:36 am (Paris), updated on March 22, 2026, at 9:38 am Gilles Paris

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Former FBI director Robert Mueller, who investigated Russia-Trump campaign ties, dies

Mueller transformed the nation's premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the September 11 attacks and later was special counsel in the Justice Department's investigation into whether the Trump campaign illegally coordinated with Russia to sway the 2016 presidential race. He died at 81.

Published on March 21, 2026, at 6:53 pm (Paris), updated on March 22, 2026, at 9:44 am Le Monde with AP

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'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' actor Nicholas Brendon dead at 54

Brendon played Xander Harris in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' over seven seasons between 1997 and 2003. The Los Angeles-born actor was also known for his appearances in shows like 'Criminal Minds,' 'Private Practice' and 'Kitchen Confidential.'

Published on March 21, 2026, at 11:26 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Chuck Norris, king of martial arts and Reagan-era action movies, has died

The American actor best known for the hit series 'Walker, Texas Ranger' died on Friday, at the age of 86.

Published on March 20, 2026, at 4:15 pm (Paris) Julien Laroche-Joubert

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Umberto Bossi, provocative founder of Italy's League party, dies at 84

Bossi founded the anti-immigrant Northern League party and transformed it from a small, regionalist party into an influential player in government.

Published on March 20, 2026, at 1:01 am (Paris), updated on March 20, 2026, at 9:56 am Le Monde with AFP

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Jürgen Habermas, influential German philosopher, dies at 96

The German philosopher died on Saturday March 14, 2026, at the age of 96 in Starnberg, a spokesperson for the Suhrkamp publishing house said.

Published on March 14, 2026, at 3:28 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

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Salih Muslim, a key figure in the political autonomy of Syria's Kurdish minority, dies

For years, Muslim led the Democratic Union Party, Syria's most powerful Kurdish party. He helped establish the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northeast Syria in 2012 during the civil war.

Published on March 12, 2026, at 2:54 am (Paris), updated on March 12, 2026, at 9:44 am Le Monde with AFP

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Hélène Mouchard-Zay, tireless advocate for the memory of Vichy regime victims, has died

The daughter of Jean Zay, a left-wing minister who was assassinated by Vichy regime militiamen in 1944, Hélène Mouchard-Zay fought to have his remains interred in the Panthéon in 2015. She died on March 2, at the age of 85.

Published on March 6, 2026, at 9:36 pm (Paris), updated on March 9, 2026, at 6:20 pm Laurent Joly

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Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader and symbol of a repressive regime, has died

The successor to Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, Ali Khamenei embodied the Islamic Republic, setting its political course both domestically and abroad. Over the course of his rule, and faced with the country's isolation, he chose to harden the regime and brutally repress any dissent. He died on Saturday, February 28, at the age of 86.

Published on March 1, 2026, at 3:18 am (Paris), updated on March 1, 2026, at 10:09 am Ghazal Golshiri

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Eliane Radigue, singular figure in electronic music, has died aged 94

Radigue, who was known for her passion for synthesizers, worked exclusively with acoustic sounds during her final creative period. She died on February 23 in Paris.

Published on February 26, 2026, at 5:38 am (Paris), updated on February 26, 2026, at 8:15 am Pierre Gervasoni

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Death of Fredrick Brennan, creator of 8chan forum where QAnon emerged

This self-taught programmer ultimately renounced his creation and became a fierce critic of QAnon and unmoderated forums.

Published on February 23, 2026, at 4:02 pm (Paris) Damien Leloup

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Susan George, French-American political scientist and figure of the alter-globalization movement, dies

The essayist, co-founder of Attac, notably raised awareness among the French and Europeans about the damage caused by globalization. She died on February 14 at the age of 91.

Published on February 23, 2026, at 3:05 pm (Paris) Antoine Reverchon

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Eric Dane, 'Grey's Anatomy' star and ALS awareness advocate, dies at 53

The actor received his big break when he was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on 'Grey's Anatomy.' After announcing his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, Dane became a committed advocate for people living with the disease.

Published on February 20, 2026, at 5:21 am (Paris), updated on February 20, 2026, at 7:16 am Le Monde with AP

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Leila Shahid, a powerful voice for Palestine, dies

A woman of conviction and dialogue, passionate about her cause yet sensitive to all forms of injustice, the former representative of Palestine in France and to the European Union, who ended her life on Wednesday, February 18, at the age of 76, was far more than a diplomat.

Published on February 19, 2026, at 5:17 pm (Paris), updated on February 19, 2026, at 6:09 pm Benjamin Barthe

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Jesse Jackson, pastor and civil rights icon, dies at 84

The pastor, who played an active role in the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr., had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Published on February 17, 2026, at 12:02 pm (Paris) Gilles Paris

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Robert Duvall, singular figure of New Hollywood, has died

Known for his roles in 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now,' two films by Francis Ford Coppola, the actor – who was also a screenwriter, director and producer – died on Sunday, February 15, at the age of 95.

Published on February 17, 2026, at 10:49 am (Paris) Jacques Mandelbaum

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Frederick Wiseman, legendary American documentary filmmaker, dies at 96

The creator of an immense and unparalleled social portrait of American society, who filmed everything from hospitals to department stores and museums, died on Monday at the age of 96.

Published on February 17, 2026, at 10:48 am (Paris), updated on February 17, 2026, at 10:51 am Mathieu Macheret

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Eleni Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, prominent Byzantist and first female rector of the Sorbonne, dies at 99

In 1976, the Greek historian became the first woman to lead the famed Paris university in its 700-year history. The wide body of scholarly Byzantine work she established remains influential today.

Published on February 16, 2026, at 11:23 pm (Paris), updated on February 17, 2026, at 9:21 am Le Monde with AFP

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Robert Duvall, actor known for 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now,' dies at 95

Robert Duvall was known for playing William Kilgore, the US army officer who loved 'the smell of napalm in the morning,' in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now,' and smooth mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in 'The Godfather.'

Published on February 16, 2026, at 7:48 pm (Paris), updated on February 17, 2026, at 9:37 am Le Monde with AFP

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Cees Nooteboom, acclaimed Dutch author driven by relentless curiosity for the world beyond, dies at 92

A towering figure in Dutch-language and European literature, the poet and novelist traveled the globe, embracing cultures and disciplines with unwavering curiosity. He died on February 11 at the age of 92.

Published on February 12, 2026, at 11:07 am (Paris), updated on February 12, 2026, at 4:53 pm Nils Ahl

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James Van Der Beek, 'Dawson's Creek' star and father of six, dies at 48

The TV star, who announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024, 'met his final days with courage, faith and grace,' a post on his Instagram read.

Published on February 11, 2026, at 11:40 pm (Paris), updated on February 12, 2026, at 7:10 am Le Monde with AFP

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Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, enigmatic son of the Libyan dictator, murdered in his mountain hideout

Holed up in Zinten, southwest of Tripoli, he embodied a controversial option in response to Libya's collapse, 15 years after the 2011 revolution. Libyan prosecutors announced on Wednesday that they had opened an investigation into the assassination.

Published on February 4, 2026, at 5:21 pm (Paris) Frédéric Bobin

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James Sallis, American author of the noir novel 'Drive,' dies at 81

Best known for his novels, Sallis was also a poet, translator and writing professor. He died on January 27 at the age of 81.

Published on January 31, 2026, at 6:01 pm (Paris) Raphaëlle Leyris

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General Philippe Morillon, former UN commander during the Bosnian War, dies at 90

The French general, who became renowned for his missions in the former Yugoslavia, stood as a symbol of courage – but also of the United Nations' impotence. He died on January 29 at the age of 90.

Published on January 31, 2026, at 5:37 pm (Paris) Rémy Ourdan

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Catherine O'Hara, iconic comedy figure, dies aged 71

Known for her roles in 'Beetlejuice' and 'Home Alone' on the big screen, and more recently in the series 'Schitt's Creek,' the Canadian-American actress died on Friday, January 30, in Los Angeles following an illness.

Published on January 31, 2026, at 11:29 am (Paris), updated on February 2, 2026, at 7:42 am Alexis Duval

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Actor Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in 'Schitt's Creek' and 'Home Alone,' has died at age 71

The Emmy and Golden-Globe award-winning Candian actor recently starred in Apple TV's Hollywood satire show, 'The Studio.'

Published on January 30, 2026, at 9:30 pm (Paris), updated on January 31, 2026, at 10:14 am Le Monde with AFP

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Valentino Garavani, fashion designer who founded Valentino, dies at 93

Renowned for the elegance of his designs, Garavani made vibrant red his signature color. The dress he created for Jackie Kennedy for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis brought him international fame. He died on January 19 at the age of 93.

Published on January 19, 2026, at 7:21 pm (Paris) Théodora Aspart

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Claudette Colvin, US civil rights pioneer, has died at 86

Colvin had been studying Black history in school on March 2, 1955, when she was detained after refusing to give up her seat to a white woman on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, the same city where Rosa Parks's similar protest later made headlines.

Published on January 14, 2026, at 5:12 am (Paris), updated on January 14, 2026, at 10:04 am Le Monde with AFP

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Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, has died at age 78

A statement released Saturday on Weir's Instagram page announced that the jam band icon 'transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer.' Weir’s death leaves drummer Bill Kreutzmann as the only surviving original member.

Published on January 11, 2026, at 2:23 am (Paris), updated on January 11, 2026, at 5:20 am Le Monde with AP

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Tatiana Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's granddaughter, dies aged 35

A science and climate reporter for 'The New York Times,' she had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Published on December 31, 2025, at 12:05 pm (Paris), updated on December 31, 2025, at 12:53 pm Le Monde with AFP

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'From sex appeal to the far right': Brigitte Bardot's death in the international press

International media outlets paid tribute to Bardot, who died on Sunday, celebrating her film career and her social influence from the 1950s onward, yet also calling out her political choices, which later drifted toward the far right.

Published on December 29, 2025, at 11:41 am (Paris) Minh Dréan Romain Del Bello

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Reactions to the death of Brigitte Bardot

Cinema icon Brigitte Bardot passed away on Sunday at the age of 91. French President Emmanuel Macron and PETA's founder Ingrid Newkirk were among those who paid tribute to the late star.

Published on December 28, 2025, at 3:15 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Brigitte Bardot's 30 years of sympathy for the far right

Convicted five times for racist remarks, the actress – whose foundation announced her death on Sunday, December 28 – remained one of the only French celebrities to openly embrace far-right views.

Published on December 28, 2025, at 2:54 pm (Paris), updated on December 28, 2025, at 6:45 pm Clément Guillou

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Brigitte Bardot's nearly half a century of commitment to animal rights

When she announced the end of her film career, at the age of 38, Brigitte Bardot dedicated her life's work – she died on December 28 at the age of 91 – to the protection of animals.

Published on December 28, 2025, at 12:00 pm (Paris) Catherine Vincent

Obituary

Brigitte Bardot, global film icon and champion of animal rights, has died

The actress who triggered a revolution with her performance in 'And God Created Woman' passed away on December 28 at the age of 91. She appeared in 56 films before ending her career in 1973 and devoting her life to animal rights.

Published on December 28, 2025, at 10:54 am (Paris), updated on December 28, 2025, at 3:57 pm Franck Nouchi

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Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65

When The Cure formed in 1976, Bamonte was initially part of its road crew from 1984 before enjoying two stints as a musical member, playing guitar, six-string bass and keyboard.

Published on December 27, 2025, at 11:27 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP