Local authorities in France have announced that the funeral of renowned actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot will take place next week in the iconic French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez. Bardot, who played a significant role in popularizing the town, passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday in southern France.
The ceremony is scheduled for January 7, 2024, and will be accessible to the public through live broadcasts on large screens located at the port and in the central square. Following the ceremony, Bardot will be laid to rest in a private burial at the local cemetery, which boasts scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea. A public homage will be held after the burial, allowing fans and admirers to pay their respects.
Bardot, who retired from her film career in 1973, dedicated much of her life to animal rights activism, becoming a prominent figure in that field. She lived in Saint-Tropez for over fifty years, where her legacy continues to resonate.
In other news, Hollywood couple George and Amal Clooney have been granted French citizenship, along with their twins, Ella and Alexander. The French government officially announced the naturalizations in the Journal Officiel last weekend. Amal Clooney, a respected human rights lawyer, was naturalized under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The Clooneys purchased a property in France in 2021, and George Clooney has expressed a preference for raising their children away from the Hollywood spotlight, favoring a quieter lifestyle in France.
Meanwhile, actor Chevy Chase is receiving attention for a new documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.” Directed by Marina Zenovich, the film is set to air on CNN on New Year’s Day. It delves into Chase’s complex personality and career, featuring insights from notable figures such as Dan Aykroyd and Beverly D’Angelo. Chase himself has described the film as both painful and lovely, likening it to a massage.
In legal matters, actor Tyler Perry is facing allegations from actor Mario Rodriguez, who filed a lawsuit claiming he suffered assaults from Perry between 2014 and 2019. Text message screenshots obtained by The Associated Press show that Rodriguez and Perry maintained contact long after the alleged incidents, with Rodriguez expressing gratitude and asking for assistance. Perry’s legal team has dismissed the lawsuit as a “$77 million money grab scam,” with Perry firmly denying the allegations.
As the year comes to a close, the entertainment industry is also reflecting on its successes and challenges. The box office saw a strong finish with films like “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Marty Supreme” achieving significant ticket sales during the holiday season. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” directed by James Cameron, grossed an estimated $88 million over the four-day Christmas weekend, while “Marty Supreme,” a drama set in the 1950s, earned $27.1 million.
Looking ahead, the end of the year provides an opportunity for audiences to catch up on the year’s standout films and shows. Among the highlights is “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” featuring performances from various artists and available for streaming on ABC.com.
As 2025 approaches, the entertainment landscape is poised for another dynamic year, filled with both challenges and opportunities for artists and audiences alike.
